Workers of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) have raised concerns over delayed salary payments, outstanding allowances and what they described as the victimisation of union leaders, warning that the situation could threaten industrial harmony within the state-owned media organisation.
The concerns were contained in a communiqué jointly issued by the leadership of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), BCOS Chapel, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, following what the unions described as growing dissatisfaction among workers over welfare issues and labour relations in the corporation.
In the communiqué signed by the Chairman of NUJ, BCOS Chapel, Comrade Ademola Balogun, and the Chairman of RATTAWU, BCOS Chapel, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, the unions accused the management of the corporation of failing to address several issues affecting workers despite repeated efforts at dialogue and engagement.
The unions expressed particular concern over disciplinary measures imposed on some elected union officials, describing the actions as an attempt to intimidate labour representatives carrying out legitimate union activities.
According to the communiqué, the Secretary of RATTAWU, BCOS Chapel, Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, was suspended, while warning letters were issued to the Chairman of RATTAWU, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, and the Chairman of NUJ, BCOS Chapel, Comrade Ademola Balogun.
The unions alleged that the disciplinary actions were connected to activities undertaken by the officials in the course of representing workers and performing recognised union functions.
“The actions taken against these union leaders have generated widespread concern among workers and created the impression of undue interference in lawful trade union activities,” the communiqué stated.
The labour leaders argued that recognised trade unions remain critical stakeholders in any organisation and play a significant role in promoting industrial peace, staff welfare and constructive engagement between management and workers.
They maintained that any action capable of discouraging legitimate union activities or intimidating elected representatives could undermine healthy labour relations and create tension in the workplace.
Beyond the disciplinary measures, the unions alleged that recognised in-house unions have increasingly been excluded from consultations, meetings and decision-making processes relating to workers’ welfare, conditions of service and the overall administration of the corporation.
According to them, sustainable industrial harmony can only be achieved through consultation, inclusiveness and mutual respect among all stakeholders.
The communiqué also highlighted growing concerns among workers regarding transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement in the management of BCOS.
The unions claimed that many workers felt that genuine concerns affecting their welfare and working conditions were not receiving adequate attention from the management.
Of immediate concern, they said, was the welfare situation confronting employees amid prevailing economic challenges in the country.
The unions alleged that workers were still grappling with unpaid allowances, unresolved deductions and delayed salaries, noting that the delay in the payment of May salary had placed additional financial pressure on staff and their families.
They argued that no worker who had diligently rendered service should be subjected to uncertainty regarding salary payments and other legitimate entitlements.
“Staff welfare must remain a priority if productivity, commitment and industrial peace are to be sustained,” the communiqué added.
The unions subsequently called on the Oyo State Government, labour authorities and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene in the matter to prevent further deterioration of industrial relations within the corporation.
Among their demands were the immediate withdrawal of disciplinary measures imposed on affected union officials, restoration of all salaries, rights and benefits affected by the suspension of Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, and respect for the constitutional rights of workers and recognised trade unions.
They also demanded an end to what they described as intimidation, victimisation and interference in lawful union activities, as well as the inclusion of recognised in-house unions in consultations and decisions affecting workers and the future of BCOS.
Other demands include the immediate payment of outstanding May salary, settlement of unpaid salary arrears, payment of outstanding allowances and welfare packages, review of deductions affecting workers where necessary, and greater transparency and accountability in the administration of the corporation.
While reaffirming their commitment to peace and constructive engagement, the unions stressed that industrial harmony could only thrive where workers’ welfare is prioritised and their elected representatives accorded due recognition and respect.
