Telecoms Union in Nigeria Suspends Planned Strike

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has opted to suspend its scheduled strike, which was set to commence on Thursday. This decision comes following negotiations and agreements reached with the subcontractors that the union had grievances with. The union, represented by its General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, confirmed the suspension in a statement released on Wednesday.

This development follows the union's earlier announcement on April 2 regarding plans to initiate an indefinite strike due to unresolved issues with subcontractors associated with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd.The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) had announced plans to commence an indefinite strike starting from April 4, 2024, citing unresolved issues with subcontractors associated with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd.

These subcontractors included Reime Group, Allstream Energy Solutions Ltd., Uppercrest Ltd., Tyllium Nigeria Ltd., and Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd.However, before the strike could take effect, PTECSSAN suspended its planned industrial action following agreements reached with the aforementioned subcontractors. The union's decision to suspend the strike came after a meeting held at its secretariat, where various issues were discussed and resolved.

Among the agreements reached during the meeting was the recognition by the subcontractors of the fundamental rights of employees to freely associate with the union. This acknowledgment is significant as it ensures that workers have the liberty to join and participate in union activities without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

The resolution of the dispute through dialogue and negotiation demonstrates the importance of constructive engagement between labor unions and management to address grievances and concerns in the workplace. By reaching mutual agreements, both parties can maintain harmonious relations and promote a conducive work environment conducive to productivity and employee well-being.

In addition to the agreements reached with the subcontractors, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) also outlined specific demands aimed at addressing the welfare and rights of its members. Among these demands is the immediate recognition of employees' fundamental rights to association, which includes acknowledging the union as the negotiating body for workers' welfare.

PTECSSAN further emphasized the need for the proper remittance of membership dues, highlighting the importance of financial transparency and accountability within the union's operations. Additionally, the union called for the regularization of employment for its members engaged in projects with Huawei, seeking stability and security in their work arrangements.

Compliance with pension and health insurance regulations was another key demand put forth by PTECSSAN, reflecting the union's commitment to ensuring that its members receive essential benefits and protections. This includes adherence to the National Health Insurance Scheme and providing coverage for employees, their spouses, and dependents.

Furthermore, PTECSSAN advocated for the initiation of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, underscoring the importance of formalizing the terms and conditions of employment through dialogue and mutual agreement between the union and management. By addressing these demands, the union aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of its members while promoting fair and equitable working conditions within the telecommunications sector.

Despite efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to mediate and resolve the issues through conciliatory meetings, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) alleged that the subcontractors linked with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd. failed to engage constructively. This lack of meaningful dialogue and resolution prompted PTECSSAN to announce plans for an indefinite strike as a last resort to address the concerns raised by its members.

The union's decision to resort to industrial action underscores the perceived failure of the subcontractors to adequately address the grievances and demands put forth by PTECSSAN. Despite the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the parties involved were unable to reach a satisfactory resolution, leading to the escalation of tensions and the threat of a strike.

By highlighting the alleged lack of constructive engagement on the part of the subcontractors, PTECSSAN seeks to draw attention to what it perceives as a disregard for the rights and welfare of workers within the telecommunications sector. The union's insistence on industrial action reflects its commitment to advocating for the interests of its members and holding employers accountable for their obligations under labor laws and regulations.