Several Ogero employees, represented by their lawyer Ali Abbas, filed a judicial review before the Shura Council on September 7, 2026. The action seeks to nullify Decree No. 3561, which was issued by the Council of Ministers on June 2, 2026. This judicial review, initiated by the employees, directly challenges the legality and implications of the decree. The Shura Council referred the review, designated case number 24151/2026, to its First Chamber for consideration, marking the formal commencement of the legal proceedings. The referral to the First Chamber of the State Shura Council occurred on September 7, 2026, the same day the review was filed.
Legal Basis of the Challenge
The legal challenge to Decree No. 3561 centers on its foundation in Article 49 of the Telecommunications Law. According to those initiating the review, this specific article addresses the employment status of both Ministry of Telecommunications personnel and Ogero employees. More precisely, Article 49 outlines the full framework for the status of employees within the Ministry of Telecommunications and those working for Ogero. It further details transitional arrangements specifically for Ogero staff during periods of sector restructuring, providing a critical legal reference point for their employment security.
The Ministry of Telecommunications had previously rejected proposed amendments to Article 49. This refusal means that the decree, as issued by the Council of Ministers, relies on the unamended text of the article. The employees' legal representation argues that the decree's provisions contradict or misinterpret the intent of this foundational article concerning their rights and status. Their contention is that the decree, by not incorporating necessary amendments, fails to adequately protect the interests of Ogero employees as envisioned by the original legislative intent of Article 49, especially in light of potential changes within the telecommunications sector.
Union's Stance and Options
Ogero's employee union is currently deliberating three potential courses of action regarding their employment status. Union representatives are considering a demand for the amendment of Article 49, which forms the basis of the contested decree. This path seeks to rectify what they perceive as deficiencies in the current legal framework governing their employment. A second option involves negotiating a full legal framework to manage a potential transition of employees to Liban Telecom, aiming to secure their future employment terms. Should these avenues prove unsuccessful, the union has indicated it may resort to escalation, including the possibility of open strikes, as a means to press their demands and protect their members' rights.
The union's primary objective in any future transition to Liban Telecom is to safeguard employee rights and benefits. They aim to secure terms that are comparable to those currently enjoyed by employees at telecommunications companies Alfa and Touch. This stance shows their commitment to protecting their members' interests amidst the ongoing legal and administrative challenges, ensuring that any restructuring does not diminish their existing entitlements. The union believes that maintaining parity with other major telecommunications providers is essential for fair treatment and employee morale.
Discussions have also taken place concerning the activation of 'Liban Telecom' as a potential future entity in the telecommunications sector. These discussions highlight the evolving landscape and the potential for significant changes to Ogero employees' roles. The union's statement, issued following these developments, indicated it would be "following developments" closely. This suggests a cautious but engaged approach as the situation evolves within the Lebanese telecommunications landscape, recognizing the importance of monitoring all changes that could impact their members.
Employee Initiative and Next Steps
Five Ogero employees initiated the judicial review before the Shura Council. This action was taken after the Ogero employee union experienced a delay in formally pursuing the matter. The individual employees proceeded with the legal challenge to Decree No. 3561, which was issued by the Council of Ministers, demonstrating a proactive stance to protect their employment rights. Their move shows a proactive stance by some within Ogero's workforce to directly contest the decree's provisions and ensure their concerns are formally addressed by the judiciary.
The union's prior deliberations had focused on several strategic options, including demanding amendments to Article 49 of the Telecommunications Law or negotiating a legal framework for a potential transition to Liban Telecom. Despite these ongoing internal discussions and strategic considerations, the five employees decided to advance the judicial review independently. This step ensures that the legal challenge to Decree No. 3561 proceeds, regardless of the union's broader strategic timeline or ongoing internal discussions. The Shura Council has already referred the case, identified as case number 24151/2026, to its First Chamber for consideration, indicating the official commencement of the legal process and setting the stage for a judicial review of the controversial decree.
