Africa Energy Nigeria Electricity – #lightupnigeria Rivers Electricity Workers Threaten Power Cut
Source: Daily – Champion, By Ufomba Uzuegbu, January – 26 – 2010
Elecricity workers under the aegis of the National Union of the Electricity Employees (NUEE), have threatened to cut off power supply from the whole of Rivers State, to protest alleged unfair labour practices by Bonny Utility Company (BUC), with alleged support of the Rivers state government.
The union alleged in a petition to the Minister of Labour and Productivity and copied to Governor of Rivers state, Commissioner of Police, Rivers state ,Director of State Security Service (SSS), Rivers State and Special Adviser to the Governor on Utilities, that the management of BUC was denying its workers right of unionism as well as threatening to sack those determined to join the union, notwithstanding management resistance and harassment.
The petition signed by NUEE’s General Secretary, Comrade Joe Ajaero read in part: “We are constrained to bring again this issue of anti labour practice by the Management of Bonny Utility Company (BUC) in view of the magnitude of the effect any eventual action by us, may create.
“The Union and the Management of BUC eventually held a meeting on Tuesday November 17, 2009 at the company’s office, Hospital Road, Bonny. At the meeting, the teething issue of unionising the work force was extensively discussed and resolved.
“Membership/Authority to deduct Union Dues Forms (40 in number) were thereafter issued to potential members. These forms were forwarded to BUC, to commence deductions . To our amazement, the Management has returned those forty (40) number forms duly completed by the staff as a renege from the agreement of the meeting held on 17th November 2009.
Prior to the meeting, they had threatened to sack enmasse all those who showed interest in the Union membership. Which was why the workers employed the services of Solicitors to ward off the looming action. In the light of the foregoing, we demand that Bonny Utility Company Management should as a matter of urgency, allow the unionization of the workers, stop the intimidation, threat and victimization of the workers and allow a level playing ground for cordial workers/Management relationship and conducive working environment.
“Sir, should they fail to effect deduction of dues for the members within the next 14 days, power supply to Rivers State will not be guaranteed as all members of the National Union of Electricity Employees, in the state would embark on an indefinite action to protest BUC’s anti workers stance.
“We therefore ask that the State Government be informed of this development for necessary action. Besides, the Rivers State Government cannot be a Landlord to a company that does not respect the laws of Nigeria. Should this measure fail, the members of the Union country wide will embark on sympathy action. Please, be informed that our action is a just cause.
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