Federal Gov’t Gives IBEDC 7 Days To Reinstate Sacked 3,000 Workers

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, (IBEDC) and its outsourcing firm to renegotiate the mass sacking of its 3,000 workers.

Oyo State Comptroller in the ministry, Mr Festus Igbinosun gave the directive at the end of a meeting between the management of IBEDC, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the outsourcing firm and representatives of the sacked staff.

Igbinosun said resolving the issues within the time frame would strengthen the industrial harmony in the state.

According to the chairman of NLC in Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins, the sack of the workers did not follow due process.

Martins urged IBEDC and the outsourcing firm to reinstate the sacked workers.

Responding, the representatives of IBEDC at the meeting said the outsourcing firm agreed to renegotiate with the sacked workers within the stipulated timeframe.

It would be recalled that the NLC had barricaded and laid siege at the entrance of the IBEDC, demanding that the company re-instate and pay the minimum wage for the over 3,000 employed staff that was sacked.

Martin bemoaned the attitude of the outsourcing agents who had refused to pay minimum wage for it employees and making deductions that cannot be accounted for.

He apealed to the management of IBEDC to resolve the issues amicably, before escalating into full blown crisis.