Distributing phones amid a weeks-long strike is becoming a challenge for mobile network MTN.<\/p>\n
Reuters reported on Thursday that a Communication Workers Union (CWU) strike at MTN is hurting the mobile network\u2019s supply channels.<\/p>\n
MTN call centre and store workers have been on strike since May 20 amid their calls for higher annual salary and bonus pay. Up to 2 000 workers are reported to be on strike.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, Reuters reported that the strike has resulted in limited supplies of mobile phones at MTN’s store in Centurion and its shop in Sandton City, Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
Fin24 users, though, say the MTN phone shortages extend to more areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast week Monday all three MTN Rustenburg stores turned me away saying that they are out of stock and could not give me an indication of when they would receive new stock,\u201d Fin24 user Lyle Haywood wrote in an email.<\/p>\n
Phone shortages are also said to be hitting MTN stores in Tshwane.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrooklyn MTN turned us away yesterday (Wednesday),\u201d Fin24 user Nico Van Straten wrote in an email.<\/p>\n
\u201cMTN has a backlog of approximately four weeks to approve contracts due to the strike, according to the consultant,\u201d Van Straten wrote.<\/p>\n
A Fin24 user in Durban also complained of MTN phone shortages in that city.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Fin24 user Mapaseka has not only experienced phone shortages at MTN but also problems with the company\u2019s call centres and shops.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went to three different MTN stores and they were closed. When I called MTN customer care the phone would\u00a0 ring for almost 45 minutes before anyone can assist you … I have been unable to do an upgrade,\u201d wrote Fin24 user Mapaseka in an email<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been informed that all shops do not have stock in the meanwhile my current phone is giving me problems; I am considering porting my number,\u201d Mapaseka added.<\/p>\n
MTN concedes disruptions<\/strong><\/p>\n MTN SA\u2019s chief of human resources Themba Nyathi has acknowledged that the company is experiencing problems with its distribution network during the strike.<\/p>\n \u201cMTN has in the past indicated that the strike has led to disruptions at some of its service centres including its distribution network,\u201d Nyathi said in an email to Fin24 on Thursday night.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reality is that our distribution was physically attacked by violent strikers and MTN put into place an alternative distribution route. The distribution contingency has kicked into place as such all backlog in our channels is being cleared,\u201d Nyathi added.<\/p>\n Nyathi further said that MTN expects to have \u201caddressed our distribution teething challenges\u201d on late Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n \u201cAll stores and channels are now being filled,\u201d said Nyathi.<\/p>\n \u201cThe contingency distribution alternatives we came up with are permanent and in line with our new business processes being implemented. We just sped up the new implementation of a futuristic customer centric distribution model that was long in the making,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Nyathi also told Fin24 that, despite the strike, MTN was undergoing revamping its distribution network anyway.<\/p>\n \u201cMTN has used the challenges posed by the strike to speed up the implementation of the new distribution model. When fully implemented, this new model would translate in a lesser headcount which will result in a cost effective process and less cumbersome bureaucratic process,\u201d said Nyathi.<\/p>\n \u201cIt must be noted that the core functions of the company have not been affected by the strike and normal operations have commenced. We expect operations to be fully restored soon,\u201d Nyathi added.<\/p>\n At the time of writing, talks between MTN and the CWU were deadlocked.<\/p>\n Source: Fin24<\/a><\/p>\n MTN hits back at \u2018defiling\u2019 union allegations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n MTN denies switching off 200,000 subscribers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on MTN<\/h3>\n