The aggrieved workers had three weeks ago notified the management of the stations of their intent to down tools.
The Lagos State government has asked all broadcasting workers to shun the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following the non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage approved by the Lagos State government at state-owned radio stations.
SaharaReporters had reported how the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) shut down the affected organisations on Monday when the industrial action started.
The aggrieved workers had three weeks ago notified the management of the stations of their intent to down tools.
In a move coordinated by the NLC Lagos State chapter, and workers on Monday, normal operations of Lagos Television, Eko FM/Radio Lagos and Lagos Traffic Radio were shut down.
The move was orchestrated by the workers of the three broadcast stations under the aegis of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU).
Reacting in a press statement, issued by Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner, Establishments and Training on Monday, the government accused the labour unions of violating subsisting laws by disrupting broadcasting services in the state.
The statement reads, “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.”
