Workers in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, represented by the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN), will begin an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday over poor working conditions, layoffs, and other grievances. Key workers participating include engineers from various fields such as transmission, customer service, and fiber optics, all of whom are critical to maintaining telecom services.

The strike could severely disrupt telecommunications services across the country. The union has unresolved disputes with 39 telecom service companies, including the dismissal of three members by Specific Tools & Technology Limited. PTECSSAN had previously issued a seven-day strike notice to the companies, demanding immediate recognition of employee rights, union representation, remittance of dues, pension deductions, health insurance, and adherence to labor standards such as fair work hours and salary reviews.

Despite attempts to negotiate, the union’s demands were ignored, leading to the strike. PTECSSAN’s General Secretary, Abdullahi Okonu, emphasized that the strike was a last resort to protect workers’ rights. He urged the public to support the union’s struggle for fair treatment while ensuring the strike will continue until their demands are addressed.