The Nigeria Labour Congress has strongly criticized the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company for terminating the employment of over 900 workers, calling the move a gross violation of labour rights.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NLC’s Head of Media, Benson Upah, denounced the dismissals as illegal and unjust, warning that the union would escalate its response if the workers were not reinstated.
Upah commended the affected workers for maintaining peace despite what he described as “repeated provocation” by KEDC’s management.
“Our hearts are with them in this heroic struggle against illegality and injustice,” he said. “The manner in which KEDC carried out this mass dismissal, disregarding due process on redundancy, is not only unacceptable but also mind-boggling.”
The labour union has called on KEDC to reverse its decision immediately to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
“We call on KEDC to come down from its high horse and embrace reason by unconditionally recalling the affected workers. This is the only way to restore industrial harmony and normal operations in its coverage areas,” Upah stated.
Upah warned that the union would not hesitate to take further action if KEDC failed to address the issue.
“Prolonging this act of aggression risks triggering a major solidarity action,” he cautioned. “Congress will give the ongoing protest the necessary backing if KEDC fails to see the wisdom in an early resolution.”
As an initial step, the NLC has directed all its affiliates in Kaduna to join the protest in solidarity with the affected workers.
