The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has called off its scheduled strike, originally set to commence on Thursday.
In a statement released by its General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the union announced the suspension of the strike due to agreements reached with the subcontractors it had grievances with.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the union had previously declared intentions to initiate an indefinite strike on April 2, citing unresolved issues with subcontractors associated with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd.
The subcontractors in question were Reime Group, Allstream Energy Solutions Ltd., Uppercrest Ltd., Tyllium Nigeria Ltd., and Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd.
The union said, “PTECSSAN threatened an industrial action effective April 4, 2024 against the undersigned subcontractors to address concerns of her members.
“This led to a meeting at the union’s secretariat, and the following agreements were reached, including companies recognising the fundamental rights of the employees to freely associate with the union.
“That the companies shall put in place health facilities in accordance with the National Health Insurance Scheme covering the employees, their spouses and four of their dependents among others.”
NAN reports that the union’s requests encompass the immediate acknowledgment of employees’ basic rights to association, recognition of the union as the authorized negotiating entity for workers’ welfare, and the correct remittance of membership dues.
Additionally, PTECSSAN demanded the regularization of employment status for union members engaged in Huawei projects, adherence to pension and health insurance regulations, and the commencement of discussions for a collective bargaining agreement.
Moreover, the union claimed that despite efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to address the concerns through conciliatory meetings, the companies have failed to engage in constructive dialogue, leaving no alternative but to resort to industrial action.