Telecoms union suspends planned strike

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has suspended its planned strike, which was to begin on Thursday.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the union said the suspension was as a result of agreements reached with the subcontractors it had issues with.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the union had on April 2 announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged unresolved issues with subcontractors linked with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd.

The sub-contractors included Reime Group, Allstream Energy Solutions Ltd., Uppercrest Ltd., Tyllium Nigeria Ltd. and Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd.

The union said, “PTECSSAN threatened an industrial action effective April 4, 2024 against the undersigned subcontractors to address concerns of her members.

“This led to a meeting at the union’s secretariat, and the following agreements were reached, including companies recognising the fundamental rights of the employees to freely associate with the union.

“That the companies shall put in place health facilities in accordance with the National Health Insurance Scheme covering the employees, their spouses and four of their dependents among others.”

NAN reports that the union’s demands include immediate recognition of employees’ fundamental rights to association, acknowledgement of the union as the negotiating body for workers’ welfare, and proper remittance of membership dues.

Furthermore, PTECSSAN called for the regularisation of employment for union members involved in Huawei projects, compliance with pension and health insurance regulations, and initiating negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement.

Furthermore, the union alleged that efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to address the concerns through conciliatory meetings, the companies have failed to engage constructively, leaving no option but to resort to industrial action.

(NAN)