By Tina Amanda
The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has issued a stern warning to the management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) over what it describes as a deteriorating work environment.
In a letter addressed to PHEDC management, SSAEAC expressed displeasure with the alleged harsh conditions that have compelled employees, including Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, to resign.
The union accused Simon Bolaji, a recently employed staff member, of employing derogatory comments and intimidation tactics against workers.
The letter noted that these actions have created an unconducive environment, negatively impacting staff morale and productivity. SSAEAC reminded PHEDC that the resignation of the Managing Director/CEO had already left a vacuum in leadership, further compounding unresolved issues affecting employees.
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“As a labor union, we ensure that good personnel policies and legislations are in place for workers, hence, we do oppose management over-harsh and unfavorable work environment and policies. We have earlier warned that Simon should be cautioned and/or stopped on his verbal abuse of staff; verbal abuse will profoundly affect the productivity of a company and cause severe emotional and psychological trauma to staff.
“The condition of service is against the use of derogatory comments or remarks, belittling, yelling, or other forms of communication meant to demean and control staff. Threatening a region that performed between 85% to 90% CE.
“The union referenced its earlier warning during the inauguration of the Minimum Wage Committee on December 24, 2024, highlighting that at least five experienced staff members had signaled their intention to resign due to Bolaji’s management style. It expressed regret over the resignation of Nwachukwu, a highly skilled Management Information Systems (MIS) officer, as a result of the hostile atmosphere.”
SSAEAC also raised concerns over the misuse of Performance Improvement Plans (PIP), asserting that these tools are meant to address performance gaps rather than punish high-performing staff or facilitate their replacement with allies.
“We cannot stand idly by while some individuals in workers’ clothing destroy what has been built over the years,” the union stated, calling on management to intervene immediately by halting Bolaji’s alleged intimidation tactics. SSAEAC warned that if the situation persists, it would be forced to take labor action against Bolaji.
The union reiterated its commitment to supporting PHEDC’s growth but warned against allowing counterproductive management practices to derail progress. “A stitch in time saves nine,” it concluded.
