Telecoms Workers to Begin Nationwide Strike Over Poor Working Conditions and Terminations
Abuja, Nigeria – Workers in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, represented by the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN), are set to commence an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday. The strike will involve key employees including field maintenance engineers, transmission engineers, customer service engineers, and fibre engineers.
The action comes in response to issues such as terminations and poor working conditions. PTECSSAN has unresolved disputes with 39 telecoms servicing companies, including Specific Tools & Technology Limited, which recently terminated three of its members. The union had previously issued a seven-day strike notice to the affected companies, demanding a resolution to its grievances.
PTECSSAN’s demands include the recognition of workers’ rights to unionize, proper remittance of membership dues, acknowledgment of years of service, compliance with the Pension Act, approval of the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the implementation of leave and leave allowances as per international standards. The union also seeks a review of salaries, provision of operational vehicles, and adherence to occupational health and safety practices.
Abdullahi Okonu, General Secretary of PTECSSAN, stated, “We have made every effort to engage with employers, but our legitimate demands have been disregarded. This strike is a last resort to protect our members’ rights and well-being. We urge the public to understand our position and support our struggle for fair treatment.”
The union has pledged to engage with employers and the government to address the issues but has warned that the strike will persist until their demands are met.
