Reinstate sacked workers or face wider protests – NLC warns KEDC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of nearly 900 workers recently dismissed by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDC).

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, the labour union also called on all its affiliates in Kaduna State to join the ongoing protest in solidarity.

Titled “Come Off Your High Horse,” the statement criticized KEDC’s decision, describing it as a violation of due process and redundancy rules.

The NLC warned that justifying the mass dismissal through self-rationalization would not resolve the dispute.

“We commend the protesting workers of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company for conducting their strike action peacefully, despite repeated acts of provocation by KEDC’s management,” the statement read.

The NLC expressed support for the affected workers, calling their protest a “heroic struggle against illegality and injustice.”

It decried the mass sack of over 900 employees, describing it as shocking and unjustifiable.

“We urge the management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company to abandon its rigid stance and engage in meaningful dialogue. Reinstating the sacked workers unconditionally will foster industrial harmony and restore essential services,” the statement added.

The union further warned that prolonging the dispute could trigger broader solidarity action, hinting at stronger measures if KEDC failed to reconsider its decision.

“For a start, we are calling on all our affiliates in Kaduna State to join the protest in solidarity,” the NLC declared.

Reinstate sacked workers or face wider protests – NLC warns KEDC