By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigerian may be in for a nationwide blackout as workers in the electricity sector have issued a warning regarding possible shutting down of electricity installations from Wednesday and commencement of industrial action for reasons bordering on unresolved labour issues with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
In a circular titled “Call to Action” dated August 15, 2022 and addressed to senior assistant general secretaries and zonal organising secretaries, the leadership of electricity workers union, National Union of Electricity Employees, (NUEE) directed members to ensure total compliance.
The union threatened to paralyse operations of TCN nationwide for activities it considered unfavourable to the Nigerian masses. NUEE also said it would picket the Abuja national headquarters of TCN as a prelude to the strike,
“You are hereby enjoined to mobilise immediately for a serious picketing of TCN Headquarters and stations nationwide over the directive by the TCN Board that all PMs in acting capacity going to AGM must appear for promotion interview.
“This directive is in contravention of our conditions of service and career progression paths, and unilaterally done without the relevant stakeholders.
‘’This action takes effect from Tuesday 16th August, 2022 and total withdrawal of services commences on Wednesday 17th August, 2022. Ensure full compliance in all the stations nationwide” the union’s secretary general, Joe Ajaero said in the circular.
Mr Joe Ajaero said the picketing was to protest the directive by the TCN board that all Principal Managers in acting capacity going to Acting General Manager must appear for a promotion interview.
Ajaero said the directive was in contravention of the workers’ conditions of service and career progression paths and alleged that it was unilaterally done without the relevant stakeholders.
Other issues raised include stigmatisation of staff from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation from working in other areas in the power sector and non-payment of the December 2019 entitlement of ex-PHCN staff.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director, TCN, Dr Sule Abdulaziz, appealed to members of NUEE to suspend the proposed strike.
Abdulaziz in a statement said: “We are pleased to inform you that management has suspended the said proposed interview for those on acting appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers while we conclude discussion with the board.
“On the other two issues: circular from the office of Head of Service on the stigmatisation of the defunct PHCN staff; payment of entitlement of ex-PHCN staff by market operator, the management has contacted the Honourable Minister of Power for his further action.
“In view of this development, we appeal to your union to stay in action; please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
Also, the Federal Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba, in a letter dated Aug. 15, 2022, to the union, said that the ministry was committed to proffering solutions that would be acceptable to all parties concerned.
“May we appeal to your great union to allow us two weeks from the date of this letter to address the issues and come up with proposals toward acceptable resolution of all issues,” he said.
