ELECTRICITY WORKERS UNIONS PROTEST EEDC MASS SACK AND UNFRIENDLY LABOUR POLICIES

The Federal Government has been called upon to reverse the privatization policy of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.

One of the leaders of the Allied Unions of Electricity workers, Comrade Chris Okonkwo made the call during a peaceful protest by the Unions against what they described as unfriendly labour activities of the Electricity Distribution Company.

The protest was carried out at the entrance of the company on Okpara Avenue, Enugu.

The Union members in their numbers carried playcards with various inscriptions reading “Anti labour policy, Arbitrary and crazy sack, trampling on workers’ rights among others.”

Speaking to newsmen, the President General, Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, Comrade Chris Okonkwo noted with dismay, that the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company had been labour unfriendly since its privatization.

Comrade Okonkwo explained that the Union had tried various negotiating measures to resolve the matter to no avail.

Also speaking, the president United Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero accused the Enugu Electricity Company of refusing to negotiate the condition of service of workers, non increment of workers salary and continuous sacking of its workers.

Comrade Ajero who is also the General Secretary, national Union of Electricity Employees noted that the Union was making a case for every house to be metered to avoid extortion.

Efforts by Radio Nigeria’s correspondent to speak with the officials of the EEDC proved abortive