The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has pledged to promptly settle all legitimate allowances owed to its staff following the threat from the workers to shut down operations.
It also promised to prevent any disruption to its services while reaffirming its commitment to staff welfare.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, made the pledge in response to the notice of industrial action served on his office by the AEDC Union.
The union had threatened to resume suspended action over non-remittance of pension deduction for 16 months, non-implementation of the National Minimum wage, non-promotion and the continuous stagnation of members of staff for over 10 years, non-confirmation of staff on acting appointment, non-regularisation, and proper placement of appointments.
The unions in letters issued by the NUEE’s Assistant General Secretary, Liaison Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, and SSAEAC’s Deputy General Secretary (Corporate Communications) Rosemary Odeh, declared their intention to embark on strike.
The two unions that work for the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company said the strike is related to the company not implementing its demand following the suspension of another strike in November 2024.
The PUNCH reports that AEDC supply electricity to Niger State, Nasarawa State, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.
Other grievances stated in the letter include the refusal to convert Ad-hoc staff to permanent status, complete collapse of health services owing to the non-payment of hospitals bills, non-remittance of 10 months PAYE, refusal to complete the work on review of conditions of service, non-Implementation of the already completed work on career path, undue board’s Interference with the day to day running of the company, non-payment of union check off dues and other third party deductions and non-payment of 2024 productivity bonus.
It also lamented the death of a huge number of members due to pressure and precarious work conditions. Consequently, notified of its readiness to resume the suspended action on the 27th November, 2024, and this shall commence anytime from the date of the receipt of this letter without an additional notice.
“Councils are by this letter directed and put on notice to commence full mobilisation across the AEDC franchise areas of Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and FCT for an effective action. The struggle shall be sustained until victory is achieved, as a people united can never be defeated,” the letter read.
However, in his response on Thursday, the AEDC managing director said the management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action and all concerns will be addressed.
He said, “Management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action. We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance.
“We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution. We are confident that, through continued negotiation and open communication, we will find a way to avert any disruption to our operations and to uphold our commitment to the welfare of our employees.
“Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being and welfare are paramount to management.”
