Over the last few weeks numerous complaints about slow ADSL installation and fault resolution times emerged. Many people jumped to the conclusion that this was caused by Telkom 2010 World Cup network freeze, but there may be another reason behind these delays.<\/p>\n
According to a Telkom helpdesk agent numerous Telkom technicians have been on strike for the last three weeks, which is causing significant delays in both installations and fault restore times.<\/p>\n
It is understood that the strike mainly involves Telkom’s Data Advanced Services (DAS), but the impact is felt in Johannesburg, Midrand and Pretoria and to a lesser degree in Cape Town and Durban.<\/p>\n
The situation seems to be aggravated by the fact that a number of Telkom’s DAS and commodity staff are dedicated to providing daily services at each 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium and the International Broadcast Centre.<\/p>\n
Telkom comments on situation<\/strong><\/p>\n Telkom confirmed that “a small minority of employees have embarked on illegal and unprotected industrial action”. <\/p>\n Telkom said that this action has taken place despite the fact that the company is in constant engagement with the national leadership of organised labour.<\/p>\n “At a recent Company Forum (27 May) a joint proposal was agreed to by all parties, but all three labour unions that represent Telkom’s bargaining unit staff wanted to socialise the proposals with their members,” Telkom said.<\/p>\n “The engagement process resumed on 2 June. At this meeting, organised labour agreed to the implementation of the joint proposals. A joint task team has commenced with the implementation process. Engagement with organised labour is continuing on an ongoing basis.”
No further details about the strike action and the impact on Telkom services are available at this stage.<\/p>\n