Managers and employees of the Engineering Sector of Ethiopian Electric Power engaged in discussions regarding the positive experiences and challenges encountered over the past five years. Additionally, they discussed the performance of the nine-month plan for the 2016 fiscal year.
Wudineh Yemane, the executive officer of the sector, noted that over the past five years, the sector has accomplished several achievements and gained valuable experience. He also acknowledged that challenges have emerged in performance during this period.
The executive officer stated that the discussion forum is arranged to collect input from employees and to formulate solutions to the challenges frequently encountered.
According to Mr. Wudineh, the consultancy capacity of the sector has expanded over the past five years.
However, he noted that there has been a lack of strengthening in the relationship with stakeholders and project owners. Additionally, there are ownership gaps in project work, and the work units within the sector are not collaborating effectively as a consulting organization.
During the discussion, employees raised questions concerning the structure of work units, salaries and benefit packages, promotions and transfers. They also inquired about the availability of work-related software, new technologies, occupational safety equipment, and other relevant topics.
Responses and explanations were provided to address the comments and questions raised by employees regarding access to training, job descriptions, and ensuring employee safety.
Atalay Abebe, the human resources executive officer, attended the discussion and addressed the questions raised by employees.
He reminded everyone that a study had been conducted to address employee salary and benefit packages. He mentioned that the research is currently being revised to align with the current living conditions.
He added that concerning salaries and the migration of employees in specific departments, EEP is actively working on implementing solutions that are in line with its financial capacity.
Mr. Atalay emphasized that promotions and transfers are being conducted in accordance with the provisions outlined in the collective union. He stressed the importance of enhancing capacity-building training and mutual learning platforms not only for employees but also for the organization as a whole.
Demere Asefa, executive officer of the financial sector, mentioned that besides revenue generated from energy sales, the company is planning to generate income from projects undertaken in the engineering sector.
The sector should focus on improving its income sources to facilitate the implementation of the institutional strategic plan.
Mr. Demere emphasized that to address employee benefit packages, the company should focus on increasing its income and reducing expenses.
Mr. Mekonnen Keflie, chairman of the employees union within the company, stressed the importance of addressing the questions raised by workers to enhance the sector’s competitiveness. He assured that the union would collaborate closely with the relevant departments to achieve this goal.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Mr. Wudineh Yeman, executive officer of the sector, expressed the commitment to address the various inputs required for the sector’s operations.
He also highlighted the importance of effectively tracking both local and foreign training opportunities to enhance the capacity of the employees.
“For the success of the company, the sector will diligently fulfill its assigned mission,” Mr. Wudineh stated. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to achieve the company’s goals.
He assured that the practice of gathering ideas from employees and incorporating them as valuable inputs, along with fostering collaboration with each sector to address common challenges, will be further reinforced through the organization of such discussion forums. This, he emphasized, is crucial for the success of the sector.
