The headquarters of the Ogero company in Beirut. (Credit: P.H.B.)
BEIRUT — Another consequence of the worsening economic and financial crisis that has shaken the country for almost four years: due to the strike of the civil servants of the public internet and fixed telephone operator Ogero, whose working conditions have plummeted like all the others, the breakdowns are no longer repaired, which could affect the country's internet coverage. Will a solution be found in time to break the impasse?
The outgoing Minister of Telecommunications Johnny Corm reported Thursday evening to L'Orient-Le Jour that negotiations are continuing with the union of Ogero officials. I advise them to put their strike on hold because it is better that we discuss their demands in the Council of Ministers in a calm and without pressure," he said. I already have experience with discussions that are held under pressure and it doesn't go well."
Earlier in the morning, the minister had a violent reaction during a radio interview, saying that the army could "take control" of Ogero, whose employees have been on strike since last week. In statements to Radio Liban Libre, Corm explained that "after discussing the issue with outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati in the morning," Mikati asked him "to instruct the army to intervene to take full control of Ogero." "I do not accept that we take citizens hostage; the Internet sector is important and vital for life to continue and it must not be stopped," warned Johnny Corm in this interview.
The union of Ogero employees reacted to his words and "welcomed" the proposed solution. "All offices and centers are at the disposal of the army," stressed a statement from the union. The employees also said they would continue their strike and were "ready to negotiate when things calm down.
Later on Thursday, the outgoing telecoms minister issued a statement again urging Ogero employees to end their strike. "Any decision related to the employees' affairs, whether positive or negative, in their interest or not, or any financial decision..., does not fall under my authority as minister, but rather under the authority of the cabinet," Corm said.
In his press release, the minister further stated that he was playing a "mediating role between the union and the officials authorized to take decisions," calling on the outgoing government to meet in "emergency session" to discuss the state-owned operator's strike. In this later statement, the minister made no mention of his earlier comments that the military might comply with a requisition order and "take control" of Ogero.
The minister confirmed that he had not contacted the army, and that it was only a proposal discussed with the Prime Minister. Any decision must be taken in the Council of Ministers," he insisted. Neither the measures to be taken nor the salary decisions are within my competence." He also estimated that there was a risk of breakdowns in telephone lines as well as the Internet if the situation were to continue.
Ogero employees announced an open strike last Friday to demand better working conditions, following a "warning" strike early last week. Since then, many companies are sending messages to inform their customers of a change of number, due to breakdowns caused by the strike.