Picketing of MTN, vandalisation, ALTON may order network shutdown - ITREALMS Online

ITREALMS:

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has decried the attempts by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to disrupt network operations via picketing and vandalisation of critical network facilities, warning of likely shutdown if activities are not checked, reports ITRealms.

ALTON through its chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo made this known in reaction to the picketing of MTN office saying ALTON is very concerned about this unfortunate development.

According to him, picketing of such nature as reported to ALTON which led to injury to persons and damage to properties creates an unfortunate situation where employees are coerced to join unions and associations without respect for their individual rights of voluntary association.

“Damage to any telecom facilities will lead to the disruption of critical national security and economic services which will expose innocent citizens to great danger,” he said, declaring that employees of ALTON members are able to join or form associations and unions if they so desire.

Also, ALTON said, the practice is that membership of any associations and unions are voluntary.

They insisted that in line with fundamental human rights regarding freedom of association as guaranteed by the constitution, “individuals must not be compelled to join an association or union if they do not choose to do so.”

ALTON further urged the government and its law enforcement agencies to intervene expeditiously, otherwise “we will advise our members to consider preventive shut down in order to avoid further damage to network facilities.”

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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