Telecom Union Warns of Potential Strike Due to Anti-Worker Practices

A trade union in the telecommunication sector, Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has threatened to down tools over anti-workers activities.

The union, which is mobilising the workers for the industrial action has told them to down tools from April 4, 2024.

The union’s general secretary, Comrade Okonu Abdullahi, who spoke yesterday based his call for the strike on the slavery activities employers have subjected the workers to.

Okonu said another reason for the strike is because of the failed efforts by the union and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to resolve the issues, stressing that “the companies have failed to make themselves available for conciliatory meetings.

“It is in the light of this that the leadership of the union is mobilised for strike. Workers, especially the engineers should down tools as from 12am on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

“This decision has become inevitable because the subcontractors, Reime Group, Allstream Streamenergy Solutions Limited, Uppercrest Limited, Tyllium Nigeria Limited and Specific Tools and Techniques Limited where these workers are working for on projects won by Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited have continued to make life miserable for these workers.

“These workers are working like slaves in their own country with no entitlements commensurate with their efforts paid to them. They are made to work without working hours and risk their lives going to the field in the wee hours of the night without adequate security provided for them.”

He called for immediate recognition of the fundamental right of the employees to freely associate with the Union; recognition of the union as a negotiating body for the employees on workers welfare.