The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has expressed concern over the recent mass retrenchment of 800 employees by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) as part of its restructuring scheme. According to the union, the move falls short of the agreement between the unions and management, which was anchored on mutual trust.

The AEDC had announced the restructuring plan on its website, stating that it aimed to improve services to customers, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve excellence. The company claimed that the move was part of its corporate transformation and strategic direction to become more agile, innovative, and customer-centric. As part of the restructuring, the company promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees, and let go of those performing below expectations.

However, the NUEE has called for a comprehensive review of the entire restructuring process, citing the large number of workers affected and the potential impact on the company’s workforce. The union’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, noted that the number of workers retrenched was “unacceptably high” considering the current economic difficulties in the country. He also expressed concern that over 60% of the affected staff members were youths, which could have long-term economic and social implications for households and communities.

Igwebike further stated that some workers on the retrenchment list had no business being there and that the company’s cited reason of underperformance could be due to either worker ineptitude or management-induced factors such as lack of necessary work tools and conducive environment. The union has observed that over 70% of union officials across the company’s four state councils and 21 chapters were affected, which they see as a deliberate plan to victimize the union.

The NUEE has called for a detailed audit of performance records and disciplinary history for all affected employees and a review of those who were on performance improvement tracks. The union has also requested that the company provide access to performance records and disciplinary histories of the affected staff and establish a joint committee to oversee the review, appeal processes, and provide a mitigation process for those unfairly targeted.

The union has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights and has advised the AEDC management to engage the inherent potentials of the workers in achieving desired productivity. The development has significant implications for the company’s workforce and the broader economy, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.