NLC Shuts Down AEDC Operations Over Sacking of 900 Workers

NLC has shut down AEDC operations over the sacking of 900 workers.

Philips News reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday shut down the headquarters of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company in Abuja, protesting the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 workers and issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the company to resolve the dispute or face a total shutdown of operations.

The NLC protest disrupted activities at the electricity distribution firm as AEDC workers vacated their offices in compliance with the union’s directive.

Explaining the crisis, NLC President Joe Ajaero said it dates back to about six months, when AEDC management claimed the disengagement would affect only workers who had reached retirement age or were on the verge of retiring; however, the reverse was the case.

“At that time, the union intervened based on that understanding. No responsible labour leader would oppose the exit of workers who have legitimately reached retirement age.

“ The majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had not even spent up to five or six years in service. In fact, many had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit,” he declared.

The Labour Union issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management on Tuesday to resolve the matter or face escalated industrial action that could cripple electricity supply in the Federal Capital Territory and three other states.

“If nothing is done within that time, we cannot guarantee power supply. The workers who keep the system running will stay at home, and if they are not at work, the system will naturally be affected,” he warned.

“This will not stop here. All AEDC stations will be affected. Operations will be halted until this matter is addressed.”

Meanwhile, a report monitored by the PUNCH Newspaper, via PhilipsNews, quoted the Managing Director of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Chijioke Okwuokenye, as saying the company had commenced discussions with labour leaders to resolve the ongoing dispute.

“We are currently engaging the leadership of the NLC,” he stated in an exclusive chat with PUNCH Newspaper on Tuesday night.