The ongoing strike by workers of BEDC Electricity Plc has left the company counting losses of over N2 billion, even as residents of Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo states continue to grapple with disrupted electricity supply.

The industrial action, which began in the early hours of Monday, October 19, was embarked upon by members of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, to demand improved welfare and better conditions of service.

Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BEDC, Jonathan Lawani, said the strike had affected the company’s ability to supply electricity to customers, warning that the financial implications would continue to rise if the action persisted.

He explained that the dispute centred on consequential salary adjustments following the implementation of the national minimum wage, salary harmonisation and other employee welfare matters.

The Edo State Chairman of NUEE, Uwumarogie William, said the strike became necessary following the management’s refusal to address the union’s grievances.

William listed the union’s demands to include the implementation of the minimum wage, salary harmonisation and increments, an end to stagnation in promotions, and improved workers’ welfare.

He said the union had given the management adequate time to address its concerns but claimed the company failed to reciprocate.

A joint committee comprising representatives of management and the unions has been set up to examine the consequential adjustments arising from the national minimum wage.

Lawani lamented that the committee had yet to conclude its assignment before the strike commenced, appealing to the union to suspend the action and return to the negotiation table.

He stressed that customers and members of the public should not continue to bear the consequences of the dispute, even as the union insisted that the strike would continue until its demands were met.