The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has described the restructuring at Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, that led to the sack of about 800 staff as “unconscionable”, and should be reviewed comprehensively.

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In a statement by Dominic Igwebike, Acting, General Secretary, NUEE reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, and advised the mnagement of AEDC to engage the inherent potentials of the workers in achieving the desired productivity.

NUEE 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 (restructuring) process is flawed.”

The union also asked for detailed line by line audit of performance records and disciplinary history for all affected employees.

Furthermore, NUEE wants access to performance records and disciplinary histories of the affected staff, and establishment a joint AEDC/Union committee to oversee the review, appeal processes and where appropriate, provide a mitigation process for those unfairly targeted.

Union’s grouse

“The said Restructuring falls short of the Agreement between the Unions and Management anchored on mutual trust.

“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.

“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.

“Demography Concerns: 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 overemphasized.

“Victimization of Union officials: The union has observed with disappointment, a well thought out plan of victimization, orchestrated against the Union.

“Over 70% of Union officials across the 4 State Councils and 21 Chapters in the Company were affected,” NUEE noted.

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