Electricity Workers Give FG 14-Day Strike Ultimatum

Electricity workers under the protection of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have threatened the Federal Government.

They are threatening to resume their suspended strike if the Federal Government fails to implement the agreement they signed last month within two weeks.

NUEE General Secretary, Mr. Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday in Lagos, accused the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Jeddy Agba, of harassment and intimidation during the union’s negotiations on challenges affecting workers in the sector.

Ajaero revealed that some of the issues pending included, non-payment of over 2000 disengaged PHCN staff; 16 months underpayment of severance benefits as well as 7.5 per cent pension component among others.

He said if the issues were not addressed at the end of the 14-day ultimatum, the country should hold the minister responsible for the strike.

Ajaero said: “We observed that when the first item was raised on update from BPE at the meeting, the BPE boss was absent at the meeting; we then advised that the matter be stepped down for other items to be discussed.

This infuriated the Honorable Minister of State for Power, who said he took exception to that, threatening that he is in control and competent to discuss on the BPE issue.

In view of this un-ministerial behaviour of the Minister of State, Power, the union wishes to demand as follows: an unreserved apology from the Minister of State (Power) for humiliation, intimidation, harassment and abuse of privilege, thereby undermining the interest of the workers in the sector.

That within 14 days, all the issues agreed upon at the meeting on December 11, 2019 should be implemented without further delay. If not, the union will resume its suspended industrial action of December 11, 2019,”