The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has postponed its proposed strike that was set to initiate on Thursday.
In a declaration endorsed by its General Secretary, Okonu Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the union announced that the suspension stemmed from resolutions reached with the subcontractors with whom it had disputes.
Africa Today News, New York, disclosed that on April 2, the union declared its intention to commence an indefinite strike over purported unresolved issues with subcontractors affiliated with Huawei Technologies Nigeria Ltd.
Among the subcontractors listed 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.
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“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.”
Africa Today News, New York, has learned that the union’s requirements involve the immediate recognition of employees’ essential rights to association, acknowledgment of the union as the primary bargaining agent for workers’ welfare, and the accurate remittance of membership dues.
Furthermore, PTECSSAN advocated for the regularization of employment for union members participating in Huawei projects, adherence to pension and health insurance regulations, and the initiation of discussions for a collective bargaining agreement.
In addition, the union claimed that despite the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s initiatives to resolve the issues through conciliatory meetings, the companies have refrained from engaging in constructive dialogue, necessitating the union to opt for industrial action.