Lagos Govt Pleads with Labour Unions to Suspend Strike

As tension brews among workers in Lagos State’s broadcasting stations, the state government has called on Labour Unions to reconsider their planned strike scheduled to begin on Monday.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) are demanding the migration of their members into the mainstream civil service.

In a statement released on Saturday, the state’s Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, acknowledged the concerns raised by the unions but appealed for dialogue over the planned disruption.

He said: “The government is fully aware of the unions’ demands and has already begun addressing them,.

“A meeting was held on January 8, 2025, where both parties agreed that the unions’ grievances would be presented to the Lagos State Executive Council for consideration.”

Ayantayo urged patience, emphasizing that civil service integration follows established policies and procedures.

“For the avoidance of doubt, entry into the Lagos State Civil Service must adhere to laid-down guidelines. Therefore, we appeal to the unions to reconsider their planned industrial action in favor of an amicable resolution.”

Behind the unions’ demands lies a deeper frustration shared by many state-owned media workers, who feel sidelined compared to their counterparts in the mainstream civil service. For them, migration to the civil service would not only bring better remuneration but also job security and access to career growth.

However, the prospect of a strike casts a shadow over Lagos State’s broadcasting operations, with potential disruptions to public information dissemination. Residents who rely on state-run stations for news and updates could face interruptions as workers prepare to down tools.

While the government insists it is committed to finding common ground, the unions have yet to respond to this latest appeal.