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Power Supply Threatened as PHCN Staff Embark on Industrial Action

By on August 10, 2012

The increase in quantum of power supply in the country is currently threatened by an impending industrial action by PHCN staff.

The Shiroro Dam in Minna, Niger State has already been shut down by PHCN officials who are accusing government of insincerity in its dealings as concerns their terminal benefits.

This action was also followed by the issuance of a one-week ultimatum by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the Federal Government which demands that soldiers be withdrawn from Power Sector installations and that government commences negotiations with Power Sector unions.

Failure by government to comply with the ultimatum, will lead to Labour mobiliing all its affiliates for a nationwide strike action.

Mohammed Nagwa, chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employee (NUEE) Shiroro Power Station chapter said the Union is not against the privatization plans of the Federal Government. He also stated that the workers were willing to leave as long as the government paid them their retirement benefits and entitlements.

Nagwa said, ““They are asking us to go; we are ready to go if our entitlements are paid. Government should honour the agreement to pay our full benefits. You cannot send people away by force, it is not done anywhere. We do not have guns, we only want the world to know that we are being intimidated and cheated.”

The NLC, has also directed that strike committee’s be set up across the country in protest of what it calls “the militarization of PHCN assets over an industrial relations issue”.

NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, addressing journalists after an Executive Council meeting in Edo yesterday said the minister was forcing its members to sign documents at gunpoint.

Omar said, ”

NEC calls on the Federal Government to within the next one week, withdraw the soldiers from PHCN installations and commence negotiations with the unions on outstanding labour issues.

“Congress reiterates its earlier position that the new Pension Act did not abolish gratuity and that the 25 per cent contributions by the workers should be paid up to date.

“Congress warns that if by the end of one week, government and management of PHCN refuse to commence negotiations with the unions, congress and its allies may be forced to commence a nationwide industrial action in support of the unions”.