The nationwide protest planned by the Labour Union against the recent telecom tariff hike has been called off following a revised increase of 35%. Initially, telecommunications companies had proposed a steep hike of up to 60%, citing inflation, increased operational costs, and the depreciation of the local currency. However, after extensive negotiations with the government and key industry stakeholders, a compromise was reached, bringing the tariff adjustment down to 35%.
The Labour Union, which had strongly opposed the initial hike, argued that it would place an undue financial burden on workers and low-income citizens. Union leaders engaged in several rounds of discussions with government representatives and telecom service providers, emphasizing the need for a more reasonable adjustment that would not cripple the average consumer.
Following the announcement of the reduced tariff increase, the Labour Union released a statement confirming the suspension of the planned demonstrations. The statement expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging the reduction as a partial victory while urging continued vigilance to prevent further arbitrary increases in the future.
Government officials hailed the agreement as a balanced solution that protects both consumers and telecom operators. According to the Ministry of Communications, the revised tariff will allow telecom providers to sustain operations and improve service quality while keeping costs relatively manageable for subscribers.
Despite this resolution, consumer rights advocates have urged regulatory authorities to ensure that telecom companies do not impose hidden charges or service reductions to compensate for the lower-than-expected tariff increase. Many subscribers remain concerned about the affordability of mobile and internet services, especially in the face of broader economic challenges.
As the new tariff takes effect, both the Labour Union and consumer advocacy groups have vowed to monitor compliance closely, ensuring that telecom companies adhere to the agreed terms without exploiting users. The outcome of this negotiation underscores the power of collective bargaining and the importance of stakeholder engagement in addressing economic challenges.
