Francis Sadhere
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TLC), and Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have shut down operations of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Warri, protesting the non-payment of severance package.
The protesters, who took over all the BEDC offices in Warri, today, vowed to occupy the gates of the various offices of the BEDC until their demand for proper severance pay was met.
At the NPA office of the BEDC which served as the take-off point of the demonstrators, the NLC representative, Mr Augustine Omars, said they had to embark on the protest because of the non-payment of terminal dues to workers laid off by the defunct PHCN as earlier agreed.
They flayed the Managing Director, Mrs Funke Osibodu, whom they severally called ‘’the woman in Benin’’ of being arrogant and ignoring several official communication with her office on the matter.
To avoid the destruction of properties or compelling disinterested employees from joining the action, there was heavy security presence in the city, especially at designated offices of the company.
The heavy security presence which was led by the Head of Operations of the Joint Taskforce in Warri, Captain Mohammed Abdullahi, prompted the orderly conduct of the protesting workers.
At the Enerhen office of the Company, the Business Manager was seen sitting outside after he was locked out of his office by the picketers.
It was learnt that the workers had at various times written letters to Osibodu to expedite action based on her promise that all the sacked workers would be paid their various dues.
“Before the concessioning, BEDC agreed that all the severed workers would get their dues, but they have refused to do their part of the bargain after we have made sacrifices to keep our side of the bargain.”
“We have written several letters to her, but she’s adamant. They have left us with no option than to picket. They promised us severance packages, but today our families are suffering. Our leaving here will depend on the BEDC.”
“Even if it takes them 20 years to meet our demands, we will remain here. This is the last warning before we will go on a solidarity strike’’, he warned.
The Warri head of NUEE, Augustine Njagwani, told journalists that since their sack, it had become difficult for the workers to cope.
‘’Since we have not been paid, we are being dehumanised, our benefits are being withheld. Let them give us our dues’’, he demanded.
