Monday, June 13, 2005

Pakistan Telecommunications fracas continues

by Brian Turner

Anticipating lay-offs of as many as a third of the total workforce of 61,000, the union representing the workers of Pakistan Telecommunications (PTCL), the government monopoly, has set yet another strike deadline for next Saturday in anticipation of the privatization of the company and its takeover by new management.

In response to this threat, the government of Pakistan has stationed military and paramilitary troops at PTCL facilities around the country to try to ensure continued service in the case that workers try to shut the facilities down in protest of the impending sale of 26 percent of shares in the company.

Government officials say that some of the deployed troops are trained in the operation of telecommunications networks and would be able to take over operations if a strike occurs. The government has also taken steps to attempt to change workers’ minds about their opposition to the sale by adding two amendments to the terms of sale of the stock.

The new management will be asked to offer one-tenth of the shares they buy to employees of the company at a discounted price. Additionally, the government has offered an incentive package worth Rs4.2 billion ($70 million) to PTCL workers.

 

 

 

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