…admonishes union to give room for mediation
Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, has appealed to the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association, PTECSSAN to reconsider their stand on the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the union and allow room for mediation.
The nation’s telecommunications industry is on the brink of collapse as workers under the aegis of the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN) have embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike.
The strike, which began on Monday, is over sack, poor working conditions, and other issues.
In a press statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha, Hon. Olajide who expressed concerns about the danger of allowing the strike action fester emphasized the importance of the communications sector to the nation’s economy and national security.
“We cannot afford to sit back and watch you embark on this strike action.
“I appeal to you to allow the National Assembly intervene.
“As the chairman House committee on Information Communication Technology, I am in contact with my colleagues at the upper legislative arm of government and we are on top of the situation.”
The strike has generated widespread concern, with many fearing disruption to telecommunications services nationwide.
Speaking further, Olajide said, “there are fears that the strike could disrupt telecommunications services nationwide if not resolved quickly.
“The National Assembly will intervene and we will find an amicable resolution to the issues raised and find a balance between parties,” Olajide said.”
Among the employees of the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN), on strike are field maintenance engineers, transmission engineers, customer service engineers, fiber engineers, and other critical staff.
It will be recalled that PTECSSAN has pending issues with no fewer than 39 telecoms servicing companies, including the sack of three of its members by Specific Tools & Technology Limited.
The union has demanded immediate recognition of the fundamental right of employees to freely associate with the Union, immediate recognition of the Union as negotiating body for employees on workers’ welfare, and immediate remittance of membership dues into the Union’s account.
Other demands include immediate recognition of years of service, immediate commencement of appropriate pensions deduction and remittance, immediate approval of the National Health Insurance Scheme, immediate enrollment of Union members in the Group Life Insurance, and immediate implementation of leave and leave allowance in accordance with international best practices.
The Union is also demanding immediate negotiation on review of salaries, immediate provision of Operational Vehicles or review of the Self Drive/Self Rental, immediate stoppage of 24-hour job and introduction of work hours in accordance with international best practices, and immediate adherence to occupational health and safety for workers.
Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide pleaded with Nigerians not to be deterred throughout the period of the impasse as PTECSSAN has assured that it will engage with employers and the government to resolve the issues to ensure their demands are met.
