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MTN stands firm on offer

Staff Writer
By Staff Writer, ITWeb
Johannesburg, 29 May 2015
Some MTN staff have allegedly been intimidating other workers.
Some MTN staff have allegedly been intimidating other workers.

As the industrial action by MTN's call centre staff enters its ninth day, the operator has reaffirmed that it will not budge on the offer it has tabled to striking employees.

The mobile company, SA's second-largest, has also once again pledged to bring the disrupted operations into full operational mode and safeguard the lives of non-striking employees and protect its infrastructure and facilities.

The strike, which commenced last Wednesday, has led to the closure of MTN's call centres and disrupted other services centres, including retail stores and the high-value repair centre. The strike is being led by the Communication Workers Union, which wants a 10% salary hike, as well as an 8% bonus.

MTN maintains its offer is better than what the CWU initially demanded as it is offering an 8% guaranteed bonus, half of which was paid in March with the remaining 4% to be paid in December. A bonus of 12% next year has also been put on the table.

It has also welcomed the establishment of a task team to look into payment for Sundays and public holidays in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

MTN adds the strike has had minimal impact on its core operations, which are running optimally.

In response to rumours doing the rounds that customers have been cut off, MTN says: "Reports that the strike has culminated in the bulk suspension of customers is baseless, sensationalist and alarmist. The only areas affected are some of the distribution and service centres. The 808 call centre is back online, though it is not yet fully operational. MTN has undertaken to bring these operations into full operational mode by the end of the week."

The company adds it has noted with "concern the disruptive conduct of employees who continue to burn tyres on MTN premises, intimidate non-striking employees and barricade the main exits, thus infringing upon the rights of other employees and the company's right to conduct business".

MTN SA human resources chief Themba Nyati says the unruly conduct is in violation of the picketing agreement that MTN signed with CWU. "MTN will be taking stern measures to safeguard its employees and protect its right to conduct business and offer services to its customers in line with its license obligations."

The operator adds it rejects any form of discrimination as it is out of kilter with MTN values and the spirit of the Constitution.

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