March 28, 2024

TCN appeals to electricity workers to suspend proposed industrial action

Oredola Adeola

Ahead of the Wednesday proposed indefinite strike by the organized labour under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees, (NUEE) over pending Labour issues with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, the MD/CEO, Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, of TCN, has appealed to the workers to suspend the industrial action.

The Managing Director, TCN made the appeal in a letter issued to the workers appealing for dialogue over the issues raised in their circular.

Recall that the electricity workers in a circular addressed by Joe Ajaero, General Secretary of NUEE, to Senior Assistant General Secretaries and Zonal Organising Secretaries on August 15, 2022; asked the workers to mobilise immediately for serious picketing of TCN Headquarters and Stations nationwide.

The reason for the strike according to NUEE General Secretary was over the directive issued by the TCN Board that all Principal Managers, PMs, in acting capacity going to Assistant General Managers, AGM, must appear for a promotion interview.

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

Dr Abdulaziz in his appeal to the workers said, “We are pleased to inform you that management has suspended the said proposed interview for those on the acting appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers while we conclude the discussion with the board.

“On the other two issues: circular from the office of Head of Service on the stigmatisation of the defunct PHCN staff; payment of entitlement of ex-PHCN staff by the market operator, the management has contacted the Honourable Minister of Power for his further action.

“In view of this development, we appeal to your union to stay in action; please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

EnergyDay gathered that the TCN management led by the MD/CEO, last week met with the Union at the 2nd National Joint Advisory Committee Meeting, to discuss staff welfare and other contentious issues.

The workers, despite the appeal by both the TCN MD and Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba, the Federal Minister of State for Power, converged at TCN headquarters on Tuesday, in Abuja, pressing home their threat to withdraw services on Wednesday.

Among other demands, the workers are calling on the Federal Government to pay the entitlement of former staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in December 2019.