Managers of Lagos State Government broadcast stations are taking stock of the violence visited on the premises by striking union members, according to a statement issued by Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training
The stations—LTV, Radio Lagos/Eko 89.7FM, and Traffic Radio—were forced off the air for 48 hours by some workers who tore down studio doors and assaulted presenters.
Findings by our correspondents revealed that the aggrieved unionists switched off transmitters and cut off cables—”in unprecedented acts of violence captured on video. Many workers were whipped for shunning the strike, which is to force the government to put about 400 workers on the civil service payroll.”
Despite the channels of communication open to the unions by the state government, the leadership of NLC, RATTAWU, and NUJ, it was learned, chose the path of violence—in language and actions.
The strike, which the managers have described as an attack and disrespect for the authorities, has left doubts about the desire of the leadership of NLC, RATTAWU, and NUJ in Lagos to ensure an amicable resolution of the crisis.
Leaders of the unions have been invited to another meeting today, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, on the issues at dispute.
However, some of the unionists spoken to by our correspondents stressed that they would not say anything until after today’s meeting with the affected broadcast organisations.
