MTN calls for end to strike

Last month MTN workers went on strike, resulting in the company having to close down its call centres.

“It is with great disappointment that our customers are subjected to the recent service experiences which are as a result of the strike. On behalf of MTN South Africa, I would like to extend my most sincere apology for this,” said Ahmad Farroukh, CEO of MTN South Africa.

Now the telecommunications company is asking for a ceasefire. MTN has suggested a legally binding arbitration process to the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Farroukh believes that this is fair and it can help put an end to the current industrial action.

“MTN wishes to reiterate that the proposal for the appointment of an independent arbitrator that is fair and impartial may be the only practical solution to this stalemate,” said Farroukh.
He went on to urge the unions to accept it.

“As a law abiding corporate citizen, MTN undertakes to be bound by the findings of the arbitration process and we will implement whatever judgement the arbitrator deems appropriate,” said Farroukh.

Bonus payments

Last month MTN revealed that it had engaged in discussions with its employees on a number of issues, which led MTN to announce several measures that it will introduce.

The first demand by employees is a review of the current bonus model. Employees are asking for a guaranteed thirteenth cheque.

“Level one and two employees will now qualify for a guaranteed 4% of annual salary at the end of each year (specifically in the 19 December 2015 payday),” said MTN.

However, MTN would now like to clarify that during last week’s discussion, at no stage did they offer an alternative percentage other than the current offer, nor did it offer a new payment date.

“MTN is offering a 4% payable on December 2015 and the second payment of 8.33% on March 2016. MTN’s maintains that this offer exceeds the original staff demand for 8% of bonus payment,” said MTN.

MTN maintains that this offer exceeds the original staff demand for 8% of bonus payment.

“MTN remains committed to finding a speedy and amicable resolution to this impasse. We have an open door policy and we remain committed to constructively engage employees further on this matter in good faith,” said Farroukh.

For more information on the MTN strike, click here.

For information on MTN price hikes, click here.