By Michael Oche
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to join the ongoing strike by workers of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) if the company’s management fails to recall the over 900 workers sacked recently.
The NLC, in a statement signed by its Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, condemned the mass sack, describing it as “illegality and injustice.”
The union accused the KEDC management of violating the rule and process of redundancy, and called for an unconditional recall of the sacked workers to ensure industrial harmony and restoration of services.
The NLC also directed all its affiliates in Kaduna to join the protest on a solidarity basis, warning that it would not hesitate to give the ongoing action the needed bite if the KEDC management fails to yield to its demands.
The workers of KEDC had embarked on a strike action to protest the mass sack, which they described as unfair and unjust. The strike has resulted in the disruption of electricity supply in some parts of Kaduna and its environs.
Upah said, “We would want to commend the protesting workers of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company for peacefully conducting their strike action in spite of repeated acts of violation and provocation by the management of KEDC.
“Our hearts are with them in this heroic struggle against illegality and injustice. KEDC acted against the rule and process of redundancy. The sheer number (over 900 workers in one fell swoop) is equally mind-boggling.
“Accordingly, we call on the management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company to come off its high horse and toe the path of reason or dialogue by unconditionally recalling the sacked workers.
“This will ensure industrial harmony and restoration of services in its area of jurisdiction. Resorting to self-justification in a clear case of a faulty process is neither helpful nor reasonable.
“Prolonging this act of aggression clearly runs the risk of a major sympathy action. Congress will not hesitate to give the on-going action the needed bite if KEDC management does see the wisdom behind an early truce.”
