By Ajibola Olaiide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
AN INDEFINITE strike looms at Lagos State-owned broadcast stations as workers protest delayed salaries and their exclusion from the state’s Oracle payment system.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) have vowed to halt operations at Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Traffic Radio from Monday, January 13.
Union leaders argue that integrating workers into the Oracle system is critical for ensuring consistent and transparent salary payments. Despite earlier assurances from the government, the issue remains unresolved, prompting the unions to declare a shutdown of operations.
The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, appealed to the unions on Saturday, urging them to suspend the strike and allow the Lagos State Executive Council time to address their demands.
He revealed that union leaders met with government representatives on January 8, where their grievances were tabled.
Ayantayo stated, “The agitation of the unions has been escalated to the Lagos State Executive Council for consideration.
We appeal to union members to reconsider their plans for industrial action while the matter is being resolved.”
Sources within the broadcast stations disclosed that workers are increasingly frustrated by inconsistent salary payments, raising fears of possible non-payment in the future.
A staff member, speaking anonymously, said, “Salaries depend on revenue generated by the stations, but advertising and sales are struggling. Without government intervention, the situation may worsen.”
Union representatives Comrade Babasola Thompson (RATTAWU Chairman) and Comrade Akinyemi Faji (NUJ Chairman) emphasized the strike’s focus on fair labour practices and financial stability for workers.
In a joint statement, they invited media organizations to cover the protest and amplify the plight of Lagos State’s media workers.
They also cautioned that the impending strike could disrupt broadcasting services across the state and urged the government to curb broader challenges of managing government-owned media establishments.
