Telecom services face disruption as strike by field engineers looms

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Nigerians could face disruptions in telecom services starting on Thursday, April 4th, as the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) gears up for an indefinite strike action.

The union, representing field engineers in the telecom sector, accuses subcontractors working with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited of engaging in “anti-labour practices.” These practices, according to PTECSSAN General Secretary Comrade Okonu Abdullahi, include “inhuman treatment” of workers.
The union said the grievances against these subcontractors include the appalling working conditions resembling modern-day slavery, a lack of entitlements commensurate with workers’ efforts, and the absence of adequate security measures, especially during late-night field assignments.

The union stated, “These workers are working like slaves in their own country with no entitlements commensurate with their efforts paid to them.

“They are made to work without work hours and risk their lives going to the field in the wee hours of the night without adequate security provided for them.”

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Demands and Negotiations:

PTECSSAN is demanding immediate action, including:

• Improved working conditions for field engineers employed by subcontractors.
• Implementation of fair labor practices across the telecom sector.

The union claims that attempts to resolve these issues through negotiations with both the companies and the Ministry of Labour and Employment have been unsuccessful. The Ministry’s alleged failure to facilitate a resolution appears to have been the tipping point, prompting the decision to strike.

“All efforts by the union and the Ministry of Labour and Employment to resolve the union’s and its members’ concerns proved abortive as the companies failed to make themselves available for conciliatory meetings.

“In light of this, the union’s leadership directed its members to commence an indefinite strike action effective April 4, 2024.

“We implore Nigerians to bear with us during the period of the strike action and any attendant discomfort it may bring to them,” the union noted.

Impact on Consumers:

The strike, if it goes ahead, could significantly impact services such as network maintenance, new installations, and fault repairs. This may lead to:

• Slower internet speeds: Network congestion could become more frequent, impacting browsing and download times.
• Delayed repairs: Existing service disruptions might take longer to resolve.
• Difficulties with new connections: Customers seeking new internet or phone lines may experience delays or face limited availability.

Uncertainties and Potential Solutions:

The potential duration of the strike remains unclear. However, a prolonged work stoppage could have a significant impact on businesses and individuals who rely heavily on telecommunication services.