Workers of Lagos State-owned media organizations, including Lagos Television (LTV), Radio Lagos/Eko FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, have vowed to continue their strike action over the non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. The strike, spearheaded by labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), entered its third day on Monday.
The unions initiated the strike to demand fair treatment and parity in benefits with other Lagos State employees. Speaking on the matter, NUJ Lagos State Council Chairman Adeleye Ajayi and Assistant Secretary Olayide Awosanya denounced allegations by Lagos State’s Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, who accused the unions of obstructing employees from performing their duties.
“Workers have the right to protest without fear or intimidation,” the union leaders said in a statement. “Any attempt to blackmail the unions or deny our members the benefits they deserve will be met with strong resistance.”
The ongoing strike was preceded by a three-day warning strike, and the unions have maintained their stance after dialogue with station management failed. Workers at the affected media organizations protested by blocking entrances and exits at the Agidingbi complex in Ikeja, carrying placards with inscriptions like, “Give us Oracle and take the revenue generated,” and “Pay us Minimum Wage.”
Led by the NLC Lagos State Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, the workers also sang solidarity songs to emphasize their demands. The unions accused management of coercing some employees to defy the strike, a move they described as undermining their rights to collective action.
The agitation began weeks earlier when the unions issued a 21-day ultimatum following unsuccessful dialogue with management. The workers claim that despite generating significant revenue for the state, their salaries and benefits remain below par.
Reporters previously reported that the strike has disrupted normal operations across the three stations, leaving the public without key services provided by Lagos State’s media outlets.
The unions insist the strike will continue until the government fulfills its promises. “This action is not about sabotage or blackmail,” said a union representative. “It is about justice and equity for the hardworking employees of Lagos State media.”
The Sanwo-Olu administration is yet to respond to the unions’ latest demands, but tension remains high as both sides prepare for the next phase of negotiations.
