Except the management of the company accedes to their request in the next 14 days, workers of the largest telecommunications operator in Nigeria, MTN, will be embarking on a strike action that would disrupt telecoms services across the country. The workers under the aegis of
Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) said they would embark on the industrial strike over an alleged refusal of MTN Nigeria to meet workers’ welfare demands.
PTECSSAN claimed that MTN refused the request of its workers despite the federal government’s intervention, and it is giving a 14-day ultimatum starting February 10 for the telco giant to address welfare issues.
According to the president of the PTECSSAN Opeyemi Tomori, the issues include the non-existence of mutually negotiated exit benefits, discriminatory remuneration or benefits, and inhumane retirement benefits.
“It has become inevitable that our union issues this 14-day ultimatum to alert the public of imminent industrial action,” PTECSSAN said in a statement. “If any of our demands are not met on or before Feb. 23, 2022, we shall be mobilising in conjunction with other sister unions affiliated to Nigeria Labour Congress workers within and outside the company for industrial actions that will force management to grant our demands.
“Also, the disruption of telecoms service may cause MTN network subscribers, and the adverse effect on their businesses, business partners and associates. As daunting as those issues raised back then were, it was the firm belief of our union that the collective bargaining agreement, if negotiated in good faith and signed off by both parties, would go a long way in addressing the concerns of the workers in the organisation.
“Unfortunately, the company has remained adamant, insisting that all the workers’ conditions of service as stated in the company’s policy must remain so and cannot be negotiated. “This negates the agreement they hitherto signed at the ministry of labour to fully negotiate the workers’ condition of service.”
Responding to the threat, MTN in a statement said it has not received any such communication from PTECSSAN and as such is unable to validate or comment on the issue.
“MTN Nigeria remains committed to continued engagement with PTECSSAN and its representatives via established channels. If there are any concerns, we are sure that they will be brought to our attention and dealt with in a mutually beneficial manner” the company stated.
Speaking on the matter, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Esther Akinnukawe, reiterated the Company’s people focus said, “Over the past two decades, MTN Nigeria has built a ‘people first’ culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and hard work. The Company is dedicated to empowering employees and instilling in them a responsibility for our customers and communities. This is what defines and unites us,” adding that “all MTNERs are at liberty to exercise their right to free association.”
“Our Company cares immensely about the wellbeing of its workers, and regularly reviews people solutions and policies to ensure that they meet global best practice and make MTN Nigeria a great place to work. We are committed to the development of our people and value their hard work and dedication. Our workforce is our most critical competitive advantage and a key differentiator in the marketplace, so we take staff welfare, remuneration, and career development seriously. In line with this, we have stringent policies in place that promote meritocracy and protect our employees from all forms of harassment and discrimination and create a workplace where employees feel valued and safe,” she said.
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