In a rare show of support for its employees, Ericsson’s Vice President for sub-Saharan Africa Nicolas Blixell announced that the company’s engineers and other staff are receiving new bonuses for the year. The announcement comes out of reported concerns that nearly 100 engineers were unsettled after moving to Ericsson from Tigo Senegal.
Blixell, speaking to media, was attempting to calm worries that there was a growing unrest among the transferred employees.
He argued there is no need to worry and to create a polemic due to the fact Ericsson “needs these workers and guarantees” their salaries and other benefits.
“We await 91 people who are welcome to the Ericsson family,” Blixell said.
“They will keep the advantages they have today with Tigo in addition to a joining bonus: 100 percent health coverage for themselves and their families, pension contribution, life insurance, privileged access to Ericsson shares and management support. It is not a question of diminishing, but of increasing and showing the fundamental values of Ericsson, which are respect, professionalism and perseverance,” Blixell added.
African telecom engineers are a prized commodity on the continent and Ericsson appears to be shoring up its segment of highly skilled workers.
Joseph Mayton
