Lagos pleads with NUJ, RATTAWU: Don’t go on strike Monday, let’s dialogue
Governor Sanwo-Olu
Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has passionately appealed to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) to reconsider their looming strike, slated for Monday, January 13, 2025.
The unions, representing workers of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, are demanding the payment of the new minimum wage and their integration into the Oracle Database system.
They have threatened to shut down operations unless their grievances are addressed.
In a statement on Saturday, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, urged the unions to opt for dialogue instead of industrial action.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to resolving the dispute amicably, noting, “Union members are advised to rethink their plan to proceed on an industrial action for an amicable resolution of the dispute.”
Backdrop to the Proposed Strike
The unions are pushing for their members’ full migration into the Lagos State Civil Service structure. Following their demands, a critical meeting was convened on January 8, 2025, between union representatives and the state government, led by Ayantayo.
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During the meeting, both parties agreed to escalate the unions’ request to the Lagos State Executive Council for further consideration.
However, the Commissioner highlighted that the integration process must align with the state’s established policies and procedures for civil service entry.
Government’s Plea for Patience
Ayantayo called on the unions to prioritise the public’s interest and refrain from actions that could disrupt essential broadcasting services.
He reiterated the government’s readiness to find common ground and urged the unions to remain open to further negotiations.
