Months after pushing for the increment of salary,staff of Lagos Television (LVT), Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio have disclosed plans to begin an indefinite over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
The strike, which is being organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), will take effect on January 13th with aims to press the government to address the long-standing demands of the workers.
In a document sent to members and the State government on Wednesday, the strike will commence at the Lagos Television premises and will involve all members of the NUJ and RATTAWU working at Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio.
This proposed strike is expected to disrupt broadcasting services in these stations and may have a significant impact on the state’s media landscape.
According to the document, the strike is not only about the welfare of the workers but also about the importance of fair labour practices.
The unions are demanding that the government take immediate action to address the pressing issues that they claim have been pending for several months. Media organizations are also invited to cover the event and bring attention to the plight of their members.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.
The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, 13th January 2025.
In a letter jointly signed by the NUJ Lagos State Council Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.
The letter, dated 9th January, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.
They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.
The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.
You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.
The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum. It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.
The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.
The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.
The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.
The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.
Staff members of Radio Lagos/Ekofm, Lagos State Television, and Traffic Radio have announced their plan to commence a three-day warning strike beginning on 1st December, 2024, in protest of unresolved issues regarding minimum wage, promotions, and overall welfare of staff members. It is alleged that the government has no intention of addressing the concerns, leaving the staff feeling frustrated and undervalued.
The proposed strike action serves as a means for the affected workers to express their discontent with the situation and call for prompt resolution of their grievances.
Sources claimed that in addition to concerns over minimum wage and overall welfare, staff members of Lagos State Television (LTV), Radio Lagos, and Traffic Radio are also voicing their dissatisfaction with training, prompt payment of salary, promotional issues within their respective organizations.
The situation has become particularly acute for Lagos State Television (LTV), Radio Lagos, and Traffic Radio staff, where despite following standard public service protocols to express their concerns, little progress has been made in addressing them.
Numerous Lagos State Television (LTV), Radio Lagos, and Traffic Radio employees have reportedly faced challenges such as inadequate pay increases following promotions or unjustified delays in the promotion process. Moreover, the media outlets’ staff have expressed their desire to be integrated into the Oracle platform, a system that streamlines employee identification and facilitates the remittance of financial contributions to the government.
As the 1st December, 2024, warning strike approaches, it remains to be seen how the longstanding concerns will be addressed and whether the affected workers will see improvements in their wages, promotional opportunities, and overall working conditions.
