Telecoms union threatens to disrupt MTN services nationwide over precarious work condition

Allegations unsubstantiated, without merit, says firm
Members of Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) have threatened to disrupt the services of MTN Nigeria Telecommunications Plc nationwide over anti-labour practices.

The union said that if their demands were not met within two weeks, the firm’s services across the nation would be disrupted throughout the network from midnight of August 24, 2020.

General Secretary of PTECSSAN, Okonu Abdullahi, who disclosed this while addressing journalists yesterday, said the use of casual workers and the prevalence of contract staff were unfortunately increasingly becoming the norm in MTN.

He disclosed that over 70 per cent of the firm’s workforce is involved in precarious work, stressing that a series of meetings held with the management and letters written to the organisation were rebuffed.

The union, which demanded immediate signing of the procedural agreement as proposed and commencement of negotiations on Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to meet the yearnings of the workers, also demanded immediate removal of expatriates that do what Nigerians could do, and recruitment of new employees to ease workload burden on the existing workers in the company.

But while reacting, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, said that the allegations were totally unsubstantiated and without any merit whatsoever.

He said MTN had built a ‘people first’ culture that empowered its employees, valued inclusivity and hardwork and instilled a responsibility for its customers and communities.

“We intentionally invest in our people. Indeed, MTN’s success in Nigeria is as a result of the hardwork, commitment and dedication of all members of staff, guided by a strong culture of people management. Our people/workforce are our most critical competitive advantage and a key differentiator in the marketplace. So, we take staff welfare, remuneration and career development seriously. We have stringent policies in place that promote meritocracy and protect our employees from all forms of harassment and discrimination and creates a workplace where employees feel valued and safe.” he said.