The management of the Lebanon Electricity Institution issued the following statement today, Wednesday: "In rejection of the misrepresentations, malicious allegations, and questionable objectives that characterized the statement (number 1) from the Workers' Union of the Lebanon Electricity Institution dated 7/5/2024, and to avoid causing any harm to the interests of diligent and competent users and workers, the management of the institution finds it important to clarify the facts to the public according to established facts:
- The institution and its management express surprise at the absence of any specific demands in the union's statement behind the call for a three-day strike, knowing that the institution and its board are in constant communication with the union to find solutions that benefit users and workers. The most recent demand concerns including the cost of living in calculating state-approved financial aid for them, which was rejected by the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry cited in its letter number 935/ص1 dated 30/4/2024 the impossibility of proceeding with this demand due to reasons explained in that letter (a copy attached). Therefore, if the union wishes to find a solution to this issue, it should inquire with the Ministry of Finance rather than making false and misleading accusations against the institution and its management.
- The institution and its board have always been proactive in providing appropriate support to users and workers within the framework of applicable laws and regulations, and after obtaining approval from the relevant authorities. Notably, their current salaries exceed those of their colleagues in the public sector. If the management had not been keen on improving the living conditions of its employees amidst the current difficult economic situation, it would not have approved, alongside the financial aid given by the state to public sector employees amounting to six months' salary, a monthly financial support from the institution calculated at the value of three months' salary with cost-of-living adjustments (more than $500 additional per month for each user), not to mention the increased food allowance by more than 66 times and the reduced electricity consumption rates (3 cents for the first 330 kWh, then 9 cents up to 600 kWh monthly) among other forms of support, which they received thanks to the diligent follow-up of the institution's directorates, general management, and the board through several decisions made within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.
- Any delay in the implementation of the health insurance contract for users is due to the objection of the Public Procurement Authority, which is a regulatory body under the Public Procurement Law, in its letter number 1339 dated 18/1/2024, regarding the procedural path of the public tender and the examination of the bids by the special contracting committee. The Public Procurement Authority recommended in this letter the cancellation of the tender and its return, which necessitated clarifications and additional procedures in coordination with the Public Procurement Authority to comply with the law.
- The institution and its users have adhered to the applicable laws and regulations and the recommendations of regulatory bodies and the directives of the Council of Ministers in all decisions made, amidst the current challenging monetary and financial conditions. These decisions were accompanied by the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. All decisions and contracts are documented within the institution and communicated to the relevant regulatory bodies; noting that the institution’s management, its directorates, and the board have always been open to any practical and legal proposals submitted by any party for study and appropriate action.
- The institution confirms that it has not sought the assistance of "any senior consultants in the caretaker government," as claimed by the union in its statement, noting that management does not oppose communication with any advisers to the Prime Minister for the public interest when necessary.
Finally, the Lebanon Electricity Institution condemns the misrepresentations made by the union's statement for malicious purposes aiming to distort the facts and expresses dismay at its adopted approach, knowing that such behavior could harm users and workers rather than benefit or protect their rights. Accordingly, the union bears responsibility for the consequences of its strike due to the cessation of work in the institution and the provision of services to citizens, including stopping the collection of bills, which adversely affects the institution's revenue and consequently impacts the payment of salaries to users and workers, as well as their financial support tied to the proper execution of the national emergency plan for the electricity sector and its continuity. The institution reiterates that it is not subject to any form of pressure to compel it to violate laws and regulations and letters and directives from the guardianship authority, the Ministry of Finance, and the regulatory bodies."
