KEDCO Workers Starts Indefinite Strike
Residents of Kano and neighbouring states were plunged into darkness after electricity workers of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company began an indefinite strike, shutting down key operations across the franchise area.
The action was taken by members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies and the National Union of Electricity Employees, who staged a protest at KEDCO’s headquarters in Kano on Wednesday over unresolved welfare and pension issues.
The unions said the strike followed years of failed agreements, accusing the company of not remitting pension deductions running into several years and neglecting staff welfare.
According to union leaders, workers were left with no option after talks with management collapsed at the end of an ultimatum.
As the protest continued, workers barricaded the company’s entrance, carrying placards demanding the payment of pension funds, proper staff appraisals, promotions, allowances, and better working conditions.
The action disrupted electricity distribution, raising fears of prolonged blackout in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states.
In response, KEDCO management said the protest was linked to both old and current welfare concerns.
The company claimed it had made progress on pension payments and staff promotions since the present management took over, adding that discussions were ongoing to resolve the dispute and restore normal power supply.
