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“Suspend planned strike” – TCN appeals to electricity workers
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has urged the workers in the electrical industry to postpone their planned strike, which was scheduled to start on August 17.
Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, the managing director of TCN, wrote a letter to the employees on Tuesday with this appeal.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which represents the workers, has instructed its members to picket TCN offices nationwide on August 16 before going on strike the following day, August 17.
In a statement, NUEE General Secretary Joe Ajaero claimed the picketing was in opposition to the TCN board’s order requiring all Principal Managers transitioning to Acting General Manager status to attend a promotion interview.
Ajaero claimed that the instruction was implemented unilaterally without consulting the appropriate parties and that it violated the employment conditions and career advancement paths of the employees.
The stigmatization of employees from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation from working in other sections of the power sector as well as the failure to pay ex-PHCN employees their December 2019 entitlement are other issues that have been brought up.
In contrast, Abdulaziz on Tuesday made the following appeal to electricity workers: “We are pleased to inform you that management has suspended the said proposed interview for those on acting appointment of Assistant General Managers and General Managers while we conclude discussion with the board,” he said.
“On the other two issues: circular from the office of Head of Service on stigmatisation of the defunct PHCN staff; payment of entitlement of Ex-PHCN staff by 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 action; please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
Also, the Federal Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba, in a letter dated August 15, 2022, to the union, said that the ministry was committed to proffering solutions that would be acceptable to all parties concerned.
“May we appeal to your great union to allow us two weeks from the date of this letter to address the issues and come up with proposals toward acceptable resolution of all issues”, he said.
