The ongoing electricity blackout experienced in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs may not be over soon as workers in the nation’s power sector have embarked on an indefinite strike.
The workers under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, are protesting the decision of the TCN Board that all principal managers, in acting capacity going to Assistant General Managers, AGM, must appear for promotion interview.
However, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc, AEDC, has assured residents that all stakeholders are working hard to ensure that a mutual settlement is reached.
AEDC, in a statement on its social media platforms, informed customers that “the interruption of the power supply being experienced across its franchise areas is due to the ongoing industrial issues between the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN.
“We will like to assure our valued Customers that all stakeholders are working hard to ensure that a mutual and amicable settlement is attained and power is restored forthwith.”
Recall that the workers in the nation’s power sector gave the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, and the management of Transmission Company of Nigeria, have up till Wednesday, August 17, 2022, to address their demands or workers would commence indefinite strike as planned.
According to the union, “the TCN Board that all principal managers, in acting capacity going to Assistant General Managers, AGM, must appear for a promotion interview. This directive is in contravention of the Conditions of Service and Career Progression Paths, unilaterally done without relevant stakeholders.”
Responding to the minster’s appeal, NUEE in a letter dated August 16, 2022 said, “It is disheartening that an agreement reached with the union as a result of the intervention from your esteemed office almost three years down the line has not been implemented. Unfortunately, the issues raised and not addressed have relapsed/metamorphosed as part of the causes of the industrial unrest in the sector.
“On the stigmatization of staff from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation from working in other areas in the power sector, we are not sure you are speaking for the Head of Service after memos addressed to that office several months ago have gone without any acknowledgement.
“On the issues affecting violation/contravention of TCN’s condition of service by the TCN board, the management has only written by proxy for the board.”
