Power cuts as EDL workers strike

EDL workers strike over demands considered unrealistic by government. (Getty Images)

As a planned nationwide strike by Electricite Du Liban’s staff took place, power outages struck across the country following grid malfunctions.

The company has failed to respond to demands from workers for better pay and benefits, leading the labour union to strike. Workers at the transmissions stations stayed on duty, but remaining staff stayed away leaving many towns without electricity and, in some cases, water.

Lebanon’s current finance minister is currently refusing in enact a deal signed by the previous encumbent, to dramatically increase remuneration to workers at EDL. The country’s current grid system is riddles with faults and malfunctions leading to regular service outages, and the network is struggling under increased demand for air conditioning in the summer months.

Finance Minister Mohammed Sadafi has said that the demands placed on EDL by the workers were unrealistic, placing huge burdens on the treasury.
 

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