MTN CEO apologises for lapse in service during strike

Chief Executive Officer of MTN SA, Ahmad Farroukh, has apologised to customers for service disruptions resulting from the industrial action by employees affiliated to the Communications Workers Union (CWU).

The strike, which commenced last Wednesday, has led to the closure of the 808 Call Centres and disrupted other services centres including retail stores and the high value repair centre.

In a bid to end the labour dispute, MTN has made great strides to address the employees' bonus pay concerns with a comprehensive bonus offer of 8% in 2015, and a guaranteed 12% bonus in 2016. MTN maintains that its offer is better than the 8% that the CWU had demanded initially.

"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," says Ahmad Farroukh, Chief executive Officer at MTN South Africa.

MTN has 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.

In the interest of resolving all matters of mutual interest, MTN has proposed that an independent binding arbitrator be appointed to adjudicate the matters at hand.

"I wish to assure our customers that we view this matter in a serious light and we are working tirelessly to ensure that all our support services are operational. We plan to fully restore our services soon," concludes Farroukh.