The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has expressed concern over the sack of 800 employees of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), saying that the said restructuring falls short of the agreement between the unions and management anchored on mutual trust.
NUEE frowned at the development, pointing out that the number involved is “unacceptably high”, taking into consideration the current economic reality in the country and the manpower gap in the company.
“The figure undermines workers’ livelihoods and the sustainability of the workforce,” stated the employees union, pointing out that some workers on the retrenchment list have no business being on it.
“Underperformance could either be as a result of Worker’s ineptitude or management induced through non-provision of the necessary working tools and conducive work-environment,” the NUEE noted, lamenting that over 60% of affected staff members fall within the youth group.
“We note regrettably that a substantial majority of those affected fall within the youth age bracket against the advice of the Unions. The long term economic and social impact of the youth unemployment on households and communities cannot be overemphasised.”
The union also alleged victimisation of union officials: “The union has observed with disappointment, a well thought out plan of victimisation, orchestrated against the union. Over 70% of union officials across the four State Councils and 21 Chapters in the Company were affected.”
NUEE thus called for a comprehensive review of the entire restructuring process in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Management and the Unions.
“It has been evidently proved that the entire process is flawed,” declared the NUEE, calling for a detailed line by line audit of performance records and disciplinary history for all affected employees.
Apart from providing access to performance records and disciplinary histories of the affected staff, NUEE also demanded the establishment of a joint AEDC/Union committee to oversee the review, appeal processes and, where appropriate, provide a mitigation process for those unfairly targeted.
“While the Union reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, we advise the Management of AEDC to engage the inherent potentials of the workers in achieving the desired productivity,” said Dominic Igwebike, the NUEE Ag. General Secretary,