The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has issued a stern warning to the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSA) to exit the broadcast media sector. According to RATTAWU President Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, SSA’s operations in the sector are illegal and must be stopped.
Members of RATTAWU in the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) have been complaining about SSA’s incursion into their union activities. Specifically, SSA has been accused of unilaterally transferring RATTAWU members to their association without their consent. This has caused frustration among RATTAWU members, who claim that SSA’s actions are making it difficult for them to access their payslips and lodge complaints with the relevant authorities.
During a courtesy visit to the FRCN Ibadan Zonal Station, Comrade Kalu expressed his outrage over the allegations. He emphasized that RATTAWU and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) are the only legally registered unions in the media sector. “Any other association parading itself as a union must vacate the sector or be forced to do so,” he warned.
Comrade Adewale Afinjuomo, a senior RATTAWU member and Deputy Director of Marketing at FRCN, complained bitterly about SSA’s actions. According to him, SSA has been transferring RATTAWU members to their association without their consent and making it difficult for them to access their payslips.
The RATTAWU President promised to take up the matter with the Registrar of Trade Unions at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Director-General of the Salaries and Wages Commission. He assured that RATTAWU would not tolerate SSA’s alleged encroachment into their domain.
Comrade Kalu used the opportunity to appreciate RATTAWU members in the FRCN South West Zone for their support during the union’s recent National Delegates Conference. He requested that this support continue throughout his administration.
The FRCN Zonal Director, Mr. Dominic Mokikan, was impressed by the President’s display of humility, zeal, and capacity. He promised to harness all resources to support Comrade Kalu’s administration.
The RATTAWU President’s entourage included several national officers and leaders of the union. They included Comrade Joseph Gansallo, National Trustee; Comrade Felix Komklafe, Vice President South West; Comrade Jasper Taiwo Falae, National Officer; Comrade Laurel Ojo, National Officer; Comrade Bunmi Otunuga, former Vice President of the union; and Comrade Ismail Adejumo, Chairman Lagos State Council.
The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the media sector in Nigeria. If RATTAWU is successful in its bid to expunge SSA from the sector, it could lead to a shift in the balance of power among unions in the industry.
The union’s resolve to address the SSA’s alleged encroachment is evident in Comrade Kalu’s strong words. RATTAWU’s actions will likely have implications for the media sector, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.
With the matter set to be taken up with relevant authorities, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome. RATTAWU members and SSA representatives alike are likely to be anxiously awaiting the outcome of these discussions.
The warning to SSA marks a significant development in the ongoing dynamics between RATTAWU and SSA. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how SSA will respond to RATTAWU’s ultimatum. One thing is certain, however: RATTAWU is determined to assert its rights and protect the interests of its members.
Stakeholders in the media sector are likely to be watching the situation closely, given the potential implications for the industry. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching consequences for the sector, and it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out.
