The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has decided to suspend its planned strike, which was scheduled to commence on Thursday. This decision, outlined in a statement signed by General Secretary Okonu Abdullahi on Wednesday, comes after reaching agreements with the subcontractors involved in the dispute.
The union had initially announced plans for an indefinite strike starting April 4 over alleged unresolved issues with subcontractors linked to Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd. These subcontractors include Reime Group, Allstream Energy Solutions Ltd., Uppercrest Ltd., Tyllium Nigeria Ltd., and Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd.
Following discussions held at the union's secretariat, agreements were reached between PTECSSAN and the subcontractors. These agreements include the companies recognizing the employees' right to freely associate with the union and the provision of health facilities in accordance with the National Health Insurance Scheme for employees, their spouses, and four dependents, among other points.
PTECSSAN's demands include the immediate recognition of employees' fundamental rights to association, acknowledgment of the union as the negotiating body for workers' welfare, and the proper remittance of membership dues. Additionally, the union called for the regularization of employment for members involved in Huawei projects, compliance with pension and health insurance regulations, and the initiation of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement. Despite efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to address these concerns through conciliatory meetings, the union alleges that the companies have failed to engage constructively, prompting the consideration of industrial action.
