Telecom Strike: 800 Workers Down Tools, Threaten Nationwide Blackout

A nationwide strike by 800 workers from the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN) has begun, threatening to cripple telecom services across Nigeria.

The union, comprising mainly contract staff, warned of massive disruptions to telecom operations if its demands are not met, leaving millions of subscribers facing a potential communication blackout.

The strike, which started on Monday, is a result of the union’s demands for the reinstatement of sacked workers, recognition of the union, improved working conditions, and remittance of membership dues.

According to the union, “The strike has become inevitable because of the prevalent precarious working conditions our members are enduring in the sector, the refusal of the employers to recognise and respect the constitutional right of these workers to freely associate with the union, and the unjust sack of three members of the union.”

Companies affected by the strike include Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Tylium Nigeria Limited, Specific Tools & Techniques, CPNL (Chinese Pacific Networks Limited), and CITCC (China International Telecommunications Construction Corporation), among others.

The complex web of outsourcing in the telecom sector has led to concerns about worker welfare and job security, with telcos like MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile owning base stations and fibre infrastructure but often outsourcing management to servicing companies.

The telecom union had previously embarked on a similar strike in April, which was resolved through a reconciliatory meeting convened by the Ministry of Labour. However, the union claims that the companies have failed to address their grievances, leading to the current industrial action.

PTECSSAN’s secretary stated, “We have given them ample opportunity to address our demands, but they have chosen to ignore us. If they continue to neglect our grievances, we will have no choice but to take more drastic measures.”