The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN) has begun a seven-day strike, threatening to cripple telecom services nationwide. The union, comprising mostly contract staff, demands recognition, improved working conditions, reinstatement of sacked workers, and remittance of membership dues.
The strike, which started on Monday, involves 800 workers who manage critical infrastructure like base stations for companies such as IHS, Huawei, and others. PTECSSAN’s Secretary-General, Okonu Abdullahi, warned of massive disruptions to telecom operations, leaving millions of subscribers facing a potential communication blackout.
The union’s demands include:
- Reinstatement of sacked workers
- Recognition of the union
- Improved working conditions
- Remittance of membership dues
Abdullahi stated that the strike became inevitable due to precarious working conditions, refusal of employers to recognize the union, and unjust sackings.
The affected companies include Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Tylium Nigeria Limited, Specific Tools & Techniques, CPNL, CITCC, and JUSPARTNER. These companies outsource management to servicing companies, which sometimes subcontract work to smaller contractors employing the striking workers.
The Ministry of Labour has intervened in the past, but the issues persist. Princess Powei, the officer in charge of the telecoms sector, assured that the government is committed to resolving the issues promptly.
Huawei denied any involvement in the strike, while ALTON and ATCON claimed unawareness of the union’s existence or affiliation.
The strike highlights concerns about worker welfare and job security in the telecom sector, with potential drastic measures if grievances are ignored
