The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has declared an indefinite strike effective midnight on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

The union said the decision was deemed necessary due to the relentless anti-labour practices against field engineers perpetrated by subcontractors.

The union said the grievances against these subcontractors include the terrible working conditions resembling modern-day slavery, a lack of entitlements commensurate with workers’ efforts, and the absence of adequate security measures, especially during late-night field assignments.

The union’s demands include immediate recognition of employees’ fundamental rights to association, acknowledgment of the union as the negotiating body for workers’ welfare, and proper remittance of membership dues.

Furthermore, the telecoms union called for the regularisation of employment for union members, compliance with pension and health insurance regulations, and initiating negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement.

The union revealed that despite efforts by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to address the concerns through conciliatory meetings, the companies have failed to engage constructively, leaving no option but to resort to industrial action.