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Telecom Workers to Start Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Poor Conditions

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 10th, 2024.

Telecom Workers to Start Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Poor Conditions

Workers in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, represented by the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN), will begin an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday. The action is in response to issues including unfair dismissals and poor working conditions.

The strike will affect a range of critical roles, including field maintenance engineers, transmission engineers, customer service engineers, and fiber engineers. There are concerns that the strike could lead to significant disruptions in telecommunications services across the country if not resolved promptly.

PTECSSAN has unresolved issues with at least 39 telecom support companies, including Specific Tools & Technology Limited, which recently dismissed three of its members. These companies are essential to the operations of Nigeria’s telecommunications providers.

The union had previously issued a seven-day notice to these companies, demanding action on several key issues or facing an indefinite strike.

PTECSSAN’s demands include:

– Recognition of employees’ rights to join and be represented by the union.

– Acknowledgment of the union as the official negotiating body for workers’ welfare.

– Immediate remittance of membership dues.

– Recognition of workers’ years of service.

– Implementation of pension deductions and contributions as required by law.

– Approval of the National Health Insurance Scheme covering employees, their spouses, and dependents.

– Enrollment of union members in Group Life Insurance as per the Pension Reform Act 2004.

– Implementation of leave and leave allowances according to international best practices.

– Salary reviews to match current economic conditions.

– Provision of operational vehicles or revision of self-drive/self-rental arrangements.

– Limiting work hours and preventing job overload.

– Adherence to occupational health and safety standards.

Abdullahi Okonu, General Secretary of PTECSSAN, announced the strike, stating, “We have exhausted all avenues to resolve these issues with employers, but our legitimate demands have been ignored. This strike is our last resort to ensure the rights and well-being of our members. We ask the public for their understanding and support as we fight for fair treatment.”

PTECSSAN has assured that it will continue to engage with employers and the government to resolve the issues but emphasized that the strike will persist until their demands are met.