NLC Demands Immediate Reinstatement of 900 Sacked Staff of KEDC

By: Chinedu Echianu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an immediate and unconditional reinstatement of over nine hundred staff of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC) recently sacked in what the Labour Centre described as an unjust and illegal manner.

A statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Affairs at NLC, Benson Upah commended the protesting workers of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company for peacefully conducting their strike action in spite of repeated acts of violation and provocation by the management of KEDC.

“Our hearts are with them in this heroic struggle against illegality and injustice. KEDC acted against the rule and process of redundancy. The sheer number (over 900 workers in one fell swoop) is equally mind-bugling.

“Accordingly, we call on the management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company to come off its high horse and toe the path of reason or dialogue by unconditionally recalling the sacked workers.” the statement read in parts.

The NLC also warned that the continued harassment of the protesting staff of KEDC if left unchecked will not ensure industrial harmony and restoration of services in the company’s area of jurisdiction.

“Resorting to self justification in a clear case of a faulty process is neither helpful nor reasonable. Prolonging this act of aggression clearly runs the risk of a major sympathy action.

“Congress will not hesitate to give the on-going action the needed bite if KEDC management does not see the wisdom behind an early truce.

“For a start, we call on all affiliates in Kaduna to join the protest on a solidarity basis” the statement concludes. ‎