Labour unions – NLC, RATTAWU, and NUJ – earlier today forcefully shut down Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio. They tore down doors and switched off transmitters in a disturbing show of violence- all in the name of a strike.
The action was taken by the unionists, who are pushing that about 245 workers should be put on the government’s payroll, despite ongoing talks to resolve the matter.
A meeting between representatives of the government, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, and the leadership of the Unions was initiated on January 8, 2025, after submissions were made by the management of the broadcast organisations to the Ministry of Establishments and Training.
However, the Labour Unions disrupted the transmission of the broadcast stations by shutting down their transmitters and chasing out staff who were on essential duty from the premises. This is a violation of the rights of those workers.
The leaders of NUJ and RATTAWU are advised to refrain from intimidating staff from carrying out their lawful duty. A strike should not be turned into an attack on the agencies and their workers.
Workers of the three broadcast stations are enjoined to report for work and avoid any confrontation with the union members.
Afolabi Ayantayo
Honourable Commissioner, Establishments and Training
January 13, 2025