Lagos broadcast workers’ strike will continue, says NUJ

The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has vowed that the three-day warning strike embarked on by workers across the state-owned broadcast stations would go on.

The union noted that while the warning strike has been peaceful, the workers, under the umbrella of the NUJ, the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union, and the Nigeria Labour Congress; wouldn’t return to their workstations until their demands are met.

The workers comprised the staff of Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/Eko FM and Lagos Traffic Radio.

The union’s stand was contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by its Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, and the Assistant Secretary, Olayide Awosanya.

It also faulted the state Commissioner For Establishments and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, for allegedly accusing the NLC, NUJ and RATTAWU of preventing workers of the three broadcast stations from discharging their duties.

“The attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has been drawn to a publication in a National Daily published on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

“In the said publication, the Hon. Commissioner For Establishments and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, accused NLC, NUJ and RATTAWU of preventing workers of LTV, Radio Lagos/Eko FM and Lagos Traffic Radio from discharging their duties.

“To set the record straight, the State Executives of NLC, NUJ and RATTAWU are aware that some of these employees who are our members were compelled to report to their duty posts by their management and threatened them not to take part in the ongoing strike.

“This is unacceptable to us and the unions will resist any attempts to intimidate our members. The three-day warning strike which began yesterday was peaceful and will go on as scheduled until the workers’ demands are met. Workers have the right to protest to press home their demands without any intimidation or fear,” the statement partly read.

The NUJ noted that “any attempts to blackmail the unions will be greatly resisted as our members deserve to enjoy all benefits extended to other workers in Lagos State.”

However, the management of the broadcast stations has condemned the recent violent actions by striking union members, which disrupted operations and forced the stations off-air for 48 hours.

It lamented that the three stations were attacked on Monday by workers allegedly affiliated with the NLC, RATTAWU, and the NUJ.

The statement noted that striking workers reportedly vandalised studio doors assaulted on-air presenters, switched off transmitters and severed cables in an attempt to enforce the strike.