Lagos seeks dialogue to avert broadcast workers’ strike

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, has called on labour unions representing workers in state-owned broadcasting stations to reconsider their planned strike, slated for Monday, 13 January 2025, and instead explore alternative avenues to resolve their grievances.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, the proposed industrial action seeks to press for the migration of union members into the mainstream civil service.

The demand is being championed by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria.

The statement partly read: “Labour unions in the broadcasting stations of the Lagos State Government have issued a strike notice. The proposed strike, scheduled to commence on Monday, 13 January 2025, aims to push the demand of NUJ and RATTAWU for the Government to migrate their members into the mainstream civil service.”

It further noted that the Lagos State Government has already initiated steps to address the concerns raised by the unions.

“A consideration of the request was initiated during a meeting held on 8 January 2025 between Government representatives, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments and Training, and the leadership of the unions. The meeting concluded with a resolution to present the unions’ demands to the Lagos State Executive Council,” the statement added.

The Commissioner, however, urged the unions to reconsider their decision to embark on a strike, emphasising that there are established procedures for entering the Lagos State Civil Service.

“For the avoidance of doubt, entry into the Lagos State Civil Service is governed by established policies and procedures. Union members are therefore advised to rethink their plan for industrial action in favour of an amicable resolution to the dispute,” the statement concluded.