Electricity Workers Begin Industrial Action Tomorrow

Workers in the power sector will commence an indefinite strike tomorrow.

This follows ongoing labour disputes with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

As a prelude to the industrial action, the disgruntled workers are slated to picket the TCN national headquarters in Abuja. The protesting workers under the auspices of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).

In a circular by the General Secretary of NUEE, Joe Ajaero, titled; “Call for Action”, to Senior Assistant General Secretaries and Zonal Organising Secretaries dated August 15, 2022; Labour said: “You are hereby enjoined to mobilise immediately for serious picketing of TCN Headquarters and Stations nationwide over the directive by the TCN Board that all Principal Managers (PMs) in acting capacity going to Assistant General Managers, AGM, must appear for a promotion interview.

”This directive is in contravention of our Conditions of Service and Career Progression Paths and unilaterally done without the relevant Stakeholders.”

Another grievance of the workers is perceived stigmatisation of staff from the office of the Head of Service from working in other areas in the Power Sector; as well as the refusal of the Market Operator to fund the payment of entitlement of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Ex-PHCN, Staff as agreed in December 2019 agreement after an industrial action by the Union.”

The circular indicated that the action (picketing TCN headquarters) begins on Tuesday, August 16, 2022; adding that the complete withdrawal of services begins on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

Nevertheless, the circular urged all appropriate officials of the Union to ensure full compliance in all stations.

Recall that the Union had on May 18, 2022, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

According to the Union, at the last National Joint Consultative Meeting held between the Union and TCN Management; the issue of complaints arising from the Year 2021 Promotion Exercise was discussed among others. It added that Management informed the meeting that no position/decision has been taken; particularly since the Committee set up to review the complaints completed its assignment in November 2021.

Further, the Union added that reneging on implementation of collective agreements reached consultative meetings; as well as lack of robust industrial relations engagement are the panacea for industrial disharmony.

”Premised on the foregoing, you are advised to address the above-mentioned issues within 14 days; or we shall not guarantee industrial peace in TCN.”