The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down the offices of Abuja Electricity Distribution in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Niger over the mass sacking of over 900 workers.
Daily Post reports that the Disco’s headquarters in Abuja, areas in the nation’s capital and other offices in Kogi, Minna, Niger, and Nasarawa States are under locks and keys as of Wednesday morning.
This comes a day after the NLC, led by its president, Joe Ajaero, picketed AEDC’s headquarters over the controversial disengagement of nearly 900 workers.
Explaining the crisis, 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.
NLC on Tuesday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to AEDC management 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.
