CDWR slams viral BCOS labour kneeling photo in Oyo State, calling it a leadership failure and demanding respect for workers’ rights and fair treatment.
A coalition of labour rights activists under the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has reacted strongly to a viral photograph allegedly taken during a peace meeting between the management of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and some labour representatives, describing the image as deeply disturbing and reflective of what it calls a growing leadership crisis within Nigeria’s trade union movement.
In a statement signed by Bamigboye Abiodun (Abbey Trotsky), State Coordinator, the group argues that the posture of union officials in the picture raises serious questions about dignity, representation, and the principles of collective bargaining expected in industrial relations.
It reads:
OYO STATE: ‘KNEELING’ PICTURE OF BCOS LABOUR LEADERS IS SHAMEFUL AND REFLECTS THE CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP IN TODAY’S LABOUR MOVEMENT.
CDWR reiterates its condemnation of Reported Attacks on Trade Union Rights at BCOS, Demands Payment of Workers’ Entitlements and Calls for Fighting Trade Unionism.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has expressed deep concern over the picture currently circulating on social media, which is reportedly from a peace meeting between the management of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and some labour leaders.
The image shows representatives of labour kneeling and rolling on the floor while members of management are seated at the table.
If the picture accurately represents the proceedings of the meeting, the scene is deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about the current state of labour leadership.
A meeting aimed at resolving industrial disputes should be founded on mutual respect, equality, and collective engagement between workers’ representatives and employers.
Trade unionism is built on the principle that labour and management are two organized forces that must meet as equal partners to negotiate issues affecting workers’ welfare and rights.
The posture displayed in the circulated image does not portray a process of negotiation or effective representation. Rather, it creates an impression of submission and self-abasement, thereby undermining the dignity and integrity of the trade union movement.
Such a display is unfortunate because it sends a discouraging message to rank-and-file workers and the general public about the current state of labour leadership.
It reinforces concerns that some union leaders have moved away from the fundamental responsibility of defending workers’ interests and have instead become more focused on personal privileges, political connections, and access to those in positions of authority.
Labour leadership is a trust bestowed by workers, and those who occupy such positions are expected to demonstrate courage, accountability, and a firm commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of their members.
The CDWR maintains that the immediate challenge before BCOS workers and the wider Nigerian working class is the need to rebuild strong, democratic, and independent trade unions through active participation from the rank and file.
We call on workers to take ownership of their organizations and ensure that their unions remain genuine platforms for defending economic and political interests.
Only a fighting and principled trade union movement can effectively confront issues such as unjusthimly dismissal, victimization, unpaid salaries, withheld allowances, and attacks on workers’ rights.
The CDWR has also taken note of calls for an investigation into the source of the circulated picture. However, we consider such demand a distraction from the more important issues surrounding the incident.
If the meeting was an official engagement concerning workers’ welfare and employment conditions, the central concern should not be who took or released the picture, but why labour representatives were put in such a demeaning situation that has rightly generated widespread outrage.
The focus should remain on the conduct, decisions, and responsibilities of those entrusted with representing workers.
Leadership within the labour movement requires dignity, transparency, courage, and a strong sense of class consciousness.
The issue at stake is not merely the existence of a photograph but the message it conveys about the relationship between workers’ representatives and employers.
Labour leaders must always uphold the confidence placed in them by workers and ensure that negotiations are conducted from a position of strength and mutual respect.
While condemning the conduct portrayed in the image, CDWR reiterates its opposition to the reported attacks on democratic and trade union rights at BCOS.
We demand the immediate and unconditional recall of all victimized union officials, including Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, as well as the prompt payment of all outstanding salaries, deductions, and allowances owed to BCOS workers.
We also call for an immediate end to all forms of intimidation, harassment, and interference with legitimate trade union activities.
The crisis at BCOS, coming shortly after the mass dismissal of journalists at Dominion Television and Radio, underscores the urgent need for stronger and more effective protection of media workers’ rights in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
Journalists and media professionals require unions that are prepared to defend their interests through principled action and collective struggle.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) must recommit themselves to the traditions of independent and fighting trade unionism.
Workers need unions that will stand firmly with them in defending their rights, dignity, and livelihoods rather than leadership that projects weakness and submission.
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