Nigerian Telecom Workers Strike Might Affect Call and Data Services

On Monday, September 9, 2024, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) embarked on an indefinite strike action, which could severely disrupt call and data services across Nigeria. 

The telecom workers under PTECSSAN have expressed dissatisfaction with the continuous sacking and substandard employee working conditions across approximately 39 companies that provide support services to Nigerian telecom operators.

The strike, which includes field maintenance engineers, fibre engineers, customer service engineers, and transmission engineers, comes after a subcontractor reportedly scaled three of its member employees. 

The union members have put forth several demands, including a suitable pension pay scheme, health insurance for staff and their families, acknowledging their fundamental rights, and fair compensation due to the economic instability in the country.

Demands of the Telecom Workers

The key demands of the PTECSSAN union members are:

• A suitable pension pay scheme for its members

• Health insurance for staff and their families

• Acknowledging the fundamental rights of the members of the union

• Recognising that the union is set on its members’ interests and, as such, speaks for them

• Operational vehicles and fair compensation due to the economic instability in the country

• Leaves and work allowances

According to the union, these demands reflect their dedicated efforts and years of work, and the General Secretary of PTECSSAN, Abdullahi Okonu, has stated that the strike will continue until their needs are met.

Potential Impact on Telecom Services

While PTECSSAN seeks public understanding, most people are concerned that this strike will disrupt the flow of telecom operations in the country. 

Data and call services may face severe backlash, as the strike could lead to a significant disruption in the maintenance and operation of telecom infrastructure.

Read Next: PTECSSAN Temporarily Calls Off Planned Telecoms Union Strike

The Telecom Workers Previous Strikes and Agreements

This is the union’s second strike this year and the third time it has raised these concerns in three years. 

In April 2024, the PTECSSAN announced an indefinite strike, which was a result of alleged mistreatment of the union workers by Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited’s project subcontractors, including Reime Group and Allstream Energy Solutions Ltd. 

Although the strike was called off after Abdullahi stated that the union had reached an agreement with the subcontractors, it appears that the service operators did not comply with the negotiated terms.

Challenges Faced by Telecom Operators

Telecom operators in Nigeria are also struggling, with some considering a load-shedding strategy to manage their services due to economic challenges and mounting financial pressures. 

The ongoing strike by PTECSSAN could further exacerbate these challenges, leading to a potential breakdown in communication services across the country.

The indefinite strike by Nigerian telecom workers under PTECSSAN poses a significant threat to the country’s call and data services. 

The union’s demands for better working conditions and compensation reflect the challenges faced by the telecom industry in Nigeria. 

As the strike continues, it is crucial for both the union and telecom operators to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of the workers while ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential communication services to the public.

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