The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State chapter, and workers on Monday shut down the normal operations of Lagos Television, Eko FM/Radio Lagos, and Lagos Traffic Radio to protest the stations’ management’s non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage.
The NLC, in collaboration with workers of the three broadcast stations under the aegis of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), picked the station and demanded to be placed on Oracle System.
A few weeks ago, the workers notified the management of the three stations of their readiness to down tools once the stations failed to implement the minimum wage set by the Lagos State government.
As the staff of Lagos Television (LTV), Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Traffic Radio paralysed normal operations in the stations, they affirmed that despite their significant contributions to disseminating information and promoting government policies, they had been systematically sidelined and made to suffer the brunt of poor remuneration and working conditions.
Speaking during the protest held on the stations’ premises in Agidingbi, Lagos, Comrade Funmi Sessi, the Lagos State NLC chapter chairperson, expressed her disappointment with the unresolved issues.
“We are here this morning to express our displeasure against the injustice meted out to the workers of Lagos State communications departments. They perform their duties diligently, yet they are denied the approved minimum wage and other entitlements.”
Sessi highlighted that workers who tirelessly inform and educate the public have been shortchanged despite federal and state directives to pay a minimum wage of N85,000.
She, however, condemned the management’s failure to implement these directives, citing non-payment of arrears, 13th-month salaries, and other benefits as evidence of systemic neglect.
According to Sessi, the workers had engaged the management and government through proper channels, including issuing notices and deadlines, yet their grievances remained unaddressed.
“They gave 14 days, then seven days and followed due process, but there was no resolution. Now that they are taking a stand, the management is asking them to sheath their swords,” she explained.
While commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his overall commitment to workers’ welfare, Sessi clarified that the strike is not an attack on his administration but an indictment of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation (LSBC) management. She urged the governor to investigate and hold the management accountable for their failure to act responsibly.
Sessi also emphasised the dire circumstances faced by the affected workers while noting that leadership requires accountability and responsibility.
“These workers have families and responsibilities. They live under the same economic conditions as everyone else in Lagos. It is unfair to deny them their rightful wages and benefits, “she said.
