Kaduna blackout: Kad Electric Mgt accuses union of sabotage ….You must recognise us – Union
Kaduna blackout: Kad Electric Mgt accuses union of sabotage
….You must recognise us – Union
By Alex Uangbaoje
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KEDC, Garba Haruna, in a press briefing yesterday in Kaduna, warned that the company did not need any external labour union to operate as a private company.
He said the company had earlier in the privatization process entered an agreement with the workers that once their severance was paid, they would only be engaged as contract staff for a period of six months which is due this May.
According to the MD, the management has gave everybody both the existing staff and fresh graduates, who wish to work with the company the opportunity to apply through online application process after which they would be invited for aptitude tests and interview, all in an attempt to get best hands as the work required efficiency.
He further added that all the existing staff were paid 100% severance package, and it was agreed that the new investor has the right to terminate their appointment and recruit young, energetic and information communication technology driven staff.
“We don’t need the union to come and sit with us and tell us what to do just the way they have been doing with previous management. I did not see where union comes in as regarding privatization process.
“The reason for blackout include the activity of the union who stopped some of the staff from work but we are doing everything to restore the power as soon as possible while the consultation is going on. So, embarking on strike and blocking the road will not solve their problem.
Meanwhile, Workers of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) on Monday, begin a days protest to mark the beginning of a warning strike, resulting from communication gap between the workers’ union and company’s management, leading to power outage in Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The union, who spoke through the Assistant Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, North-west, Comrade Moses Amedu, alleged delayed in payment of monthly salary, non payment of salary arrears, inadequate equipment to work with, removal of medical care, non recognition of labour union and low supply of electricity to consumers in the aforementioned states.
