Industrial relations at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) appear headed for turbulent waters as the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), BCOS Chapel, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, accused the management of the state owned media outfit of victimizing union leaders, sidelining workers’ representatives and neglecting critical welfare concerns threatening the morale and wellbeing of employees.
The unions, in a strongly worded statement jointly signed by Comrade Ademola Balogun, Chairman of NUJ BCOS Chapel, and Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, Chairman of RATTAWU BCOS Chapel and made available to journalists on wednesday, expressed frustration over what they described as management’s continued silence and refusal to address grievances repeatedly raised through established channels of dialogue.
The labour bodies alleged that despite formally communicating their concerns to management and seeking constructive engagement on issues affecting workers, no meaningful response had been received.
According to the unions, the situation has fuelled anxiety among employees and heightened concerns over the future of industrial harmony within the corporation. They particularly condemned disciplinary actions taken against elected labour leaders, describing such measures as actions capable of undermining workers’ confidence in the protection of their legitimate rights and weakening the role of recognized unions within the organization.
At the centre of the dispute is the suspension of the Secretary of RATTAWU BCOS Chapel, Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, alongside warning letters issued to RATTAWU Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Faleti, and NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Balogun.
The unions insisted that the affected officials were merely carrying out lawful responsibilities connected with their positions as elected representatives of workers. They argued that any action perceived as targeting union leaders for activities related to trade union functions sends a disturbing signal to workers and raises serious questions about the commitment of management to internationally recognized principles of labour engagement and freedom of association and further accused management of excluding recognized in house unions from crucial meetings, consultations and policy discussions affecting workers and the future direction of BCOS.
They maintained that such exclusion runs contrary to established labour relations principles and deprives workers of a voice in decisions directly affecting their welfare, working conditions and productivity.
According to the statement, sustainable industrial peace cannot be achieved in an environment where workers’ representatives are ignored while critical decisions are taken without adequate consultation with key stakeholders.
Beyond the industrial relations concerns, the unions painted a grim picture of the welfare situation confronting staff members. They lamented that workers continue to battle severe economic pressures amid delayed salary payments, unresolved deductions and outstanding allowances.
Of particular concern, they noted, was the delay in the payment of workers’ May salary, a development they said has imposed significant financial hardship on employees and their families at a time of mounting economic challenges across the country. The unions stressed that no responsible employer should leave workers uncertain about salaries and earned entitlements after services have been rendered.
The statement also raised concerns regarding transparency, accountability and stakeholder participation in the administration of the corporation. According to the unions, workers have continued to express worries over issues affecting the management of BCOS and the overall direction of the organization. They argued that concerns repeatedly raised by employees deserve attention and engagement rather than silence, warning that unresolved grievances have the potential to stir dissatisfaction within the workforce and further strain already fragile industrial relations.
Consequently, the labour organizations called on the Oyo state government, labour authorities and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of all disciplinary measures imposed on affected union officials, restoration of all rights and benefits connected with the suspension of Comrade Bashiru, payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, correction of disputed deductions and an end to every form of intimidation, victimization or interference in lawful trade union activities. They also insisted that recognized unions must henceforth be carried along in consultations and decisions affecting workers and the future of the corporation.
While reaffirming their commitment to peace and constructive engagement, the unions declared that genuine industrial harmony can only flourish where workers are respected, welfare obligations are met and elected representatives are accorded their rightful place within institutional decision making processes.
They urged authorities not to treat the issues raised lightly, insisting that prompt intervention, transparency and sincere dialogue remain the only viable pathways to restoring confidence among workers and preventing further deterioration in labour/management relations within BCOS.
