The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday picketed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) headquarters in Abuja over alleged disengagement of about 900 workers.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, revealed this when the union picketed the AEDC headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory.
He described the sack as a deceitful and dangerous trend in the power sector.
Ajaero said: “A majority of those affected were not at retirement age. Some had only worked for two to three years. That is the height of deceit.
“If nothing is done within 48 hours, we cannot guarantee power supply, as workers will withdraw their services.
“We are not asking for anything outside the law, but justice must be done for all affected workers.”
The NLC president said AEDC initially claimed that only retiring workers would be affected, adding that this prompted the union’s understanding at that time.
Ajaero said investigations showed many affected workers were neither retiring nor near retirement age.
He said some disengaged staff had worked only two to six years, contrary to earlier claims by the management.
The NLC boss added that AEDC promised to review the exercise, but no action has been taken after six months.
Ajaero warned that other distribution companies were adopting similar practices, posing risks to the sector.
He also warned that power supply in the Federal Capital Territory could be affected if demands were unmet.
The NLC president said the industrial action would be extended to all AEDC zones if the company failed to act.
Ajaero also demanded the publication of disengaged workers’ details for transparency and public scrutiny.
He raised concerns over poor conditions of service and unresolved welfare issues.
He added that the union would no longer tolerate injustice in the sector, insisting that justice must be served in accordance with labour regulations.
Ajaero said affected workers must have their cases reviewed within the law.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the AEDC Managing Director was unavailable to meet with NLC leadership at a scheduled meeting.
Activities were disrupted at the headquarters as staff were directed to vacate their offices.
