Nigerian telecoms workers suspend planned strike

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) 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 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.

Disclosing the agreements that have been reached with the telecom sub-contractors leading to the suspension of the planned strike, the Union said:

The Union’s demands include immediate recognition of employees’ fundamental rights to association, acknowledgment 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.

In its earlier statement announcing the industrial action, PTECSSAN had asked field engineer members to begin the indefinite strike from 12 am on Thursday, April 4, over perceived inhuman treatment by five subcontractors working on Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited.

Explaining the reasons for the planned strike, PTECSSAN’s General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, among others said: