Energy
TCN, Ministry of Power appeal to electricity workers to shelve proposed strike action
TCN, Ministry of Power appeal to electricity workers to shelve proposed strike action
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has appealed to electricity workers in Nigeria to suspend the proposed strike action billed to commence on 17th August, 2022.
Managing Director of TCN, Dr. Sule Abdulaziz in a.letter, made the call on Tuesday saying, “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.
“On the other two issues, circular from the office of Head of Service on the stigmatisation of the defunct PHCN staff; payment of 3ntitlemwnt 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 in action; please accept the assurance of our highest regards.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Giddy Jeddy-Agba on Monday 15th August,2022, told the union that the ministry was committed to proffering solutions that would be acceptable to all parties concerned.
His words, “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 begged.
The workers under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had on 15th August, 2022 directed its members to picket TCN offices nationwide on 16th August, 2022 after which they would embark on industrial action on 17th August, 2022.
The General Secretary of NUEE, Mr. Joe Ajaero had in a statement, said that the picketing was to protest the directive by the TCN board that all Principal Managers in Acting capacities going to Acting General Managers must appear for a promotion interview.
Ajaero added that the directive was in contravention of the Workers’condition of service and career progression paths and alleged that it was unilaterally done without the relevant stakeholders.
Other concerns raised include; stigmatisation of staff from the office of the Head of Service of the Federation from working in other areas in the power sector and non-payment of the December 2019 entitlements of ex-PHCN staff.