The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has shut down offices of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) across Lagos State, citing unresolved labour disputes and alleged violations of workers’ rights.
The industrial action, which began Tuesday morning, disrupted activities at several EKEDC offices and facilities in the state.
A member of the NUEE Central Executive Council for the Lagos/Ogun Zone, Comrade Dapo Oyewusi, said the shutdown followed what the union described as continued disregard for agreements reached between the company and its workers.
He said the union’s complaints include poor and unsafe working environments, delayed payment of salaries and allowances, alleged unlawful termination of employment, and breaches of agreed conditions of service.
Oyewusi said some injection stations and zonal offices operated under conditions that were unsafe, unhealthy and inadequate for workers.
He also accused the company of failing to implement provisions contained in its Collective Bargaining Agreements with the union.
According to him, workers have also allegedly faced victimisation, discrimination, intimidation, harassment and other forms of unfair treatment.
The union further alleged that some employees had been suspended, demoted or dismissed without proper consultation with the workers’ representatives.
NUEE also complained about inadequate tools and equipment, saying the situation could affect employees’ ability to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.
Oyewusi accused EKEDC management of taking disciplinary actions against workers without involving the union, including what he described as arbitrary suspensions, demotions and dismissals.
The union also alleged that some employees were arrested at the instance of management without prior consultation with NUEE.
Other issues raised include alleged victimisation of union members and supporters, an unfriendly workplace environment, and delays in the payment of workers’ salaries, allowances and other entitlements.
The development adds to the series of labour disputes that have affected Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector, with workers’ unions repeatedly raising concerns over employee welfare, working conditions and compliance with agreements reached with distribution companies.
