MTN Nigeria Dismisses Knowledge of Planned Industrial Action

…Says Company has Built a People First Culture

MTN Nigeria has disclosed it is yet to receive a notification of strike action from the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), which recently threatened to ground its activities, if the union demands are not met.

In an email statement titled ‘Response to new alleging planned industrial action’ signed by the Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, the company said, “MTN Nigeria Communications PLC has received multiple media enquiries about a communication purportedly circulated by PTECSSAN which alleges plans for an industrial action intended to disrupt national communication services.

“The Company has not received any such communication from PTECSSAN and as such is unable to validate or comment on the issue. If there are any concerns, we are sure that they will be brought to our attention and dealt with in a mutually beneficial manner.”

Also speaking on the matter, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Esther Akinnukawe, reiterated the Company’s people focus said, “Over the past two decades, MTN Nigeria has built a ‘people first’ culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and hard work. The Company is dedicated to empowering employees and instilling in them a responsibility for our customers and communities. This is what defines and unites us,” adding that “all MTNERs are at liberty to exercise their right to free association.”

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Earlier reports on Wednesday disclosed that PTECSSAN have issued a 14-day ultimatum to MTN to address certain issues bordering on workers welfare or face an industrial action.

In a statement, the association said the same ultimatum was issued in 2019, but was averted by the Minister of Labour and Productivity.
The association said, “Just as it was in that year, the company continues to remain adamant in listening to the cry and demand of its workers, who are members of our union.

“As daunting as those issues raised back then were, it was the firm belief of our union that the collective bargaining agreement, if negotiated in good faith and signed off by both parties, would go a long way in addressing the concerns of the workers in the organisation.

“Unfortunately, MTN Nigeria has remained adamant, insisting that all the workers’ conditions of service as stated in the company’s policy must remain so and cannot be negotiated. This negates the agreement they hitherto signed at the Ministry of Labour to fully negotiate the workers’ condition of service.”