BCOS Labour Leaders Refute Chairperson’s claims as the leadership of the unions in the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) rejects claims by the Corporation’s Chairperson that labour leaders “begged” management over allegations of misconduct.
“The meeting being referred to was convened by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and RATTAWU State Council…”
It is important to clarify that the labour leaders attended and participated in the engagement strictly on the instructions and directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Council, and the RATTAWU State Council.
The labour centres appealed to union representatives to make sacrifices in the interest of industrial peace and the continued stability of BCOS. Our participation was therefore an act of respect for the directives of organised labour and a demonstration of our commitment to preserving the institution, not an admission of wrongdoing or an act of begging as falsely portrayed.
Union leaders attended the meeting in compliance with the directives of the labour centres and in the spirit of constructive engagement.
At no point during the meeting did any union leader beg the Chairperson or management of BCOS. Rather, labour representatives were urged by the NLC and RATTAWU leadership to consider the broader interest of the Corporation and allow peace to prevail.
For the avoidance of doubt, the labour leaders who attended the engagement with the Chairperson and management of BCOS did so pursuant to the directives and intervention efforts of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Council, and the RATTAWU State Council. The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by organised labour to promote industrial harmony and preserve stability within the Corporation.
During the engagement, the labour centres appealed to union representatives to make concessions in the broader interest of BCOS and to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the issues in dispute.
The actions and disposition of the labour leaders throughout the meeting were therefore guided by the directives of the NLC and RATTAWU State Council and their commitment to the survival and progress of the Corporation.
Accordingly, any attempt to characterize the conduct of labour leaders as “begging” is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. Their participation reflected respect for the intervention of organised labour, commitment to dialogue, and dedication to the welfare of workers and the continued growth of BCOS.
Our response was straightforward and remains unchanged: once the legitimate demands of workers are met, there will be no obstacle to industrial peace.
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It is important to place on record that throughout the engagement, union leaders remained firm, respectful, and committed to dialogue despite being subjected to threats, intimidation, and derogatory remarks. We were threatened with dismissal and called names simply for carrying out our lawful responsibilities as representatives of workers.
The attempt to portray labour leaders as having begged management is therefore unfortunate and appears designed to divert public attention from the substantive issues raised by workers.
The concerns of BCOS staff remain valid and unresolved. These concerns include workers’ welfare, salaries, allowances, deductions, working conditions, and other matters affecting the wellbeing of employees and the effective operation of the Corporation. Our demands have not changed, and they remain on the table.
The union leadership remains committed to dialogue, peace, and lawful engagement. However, we will continue to stand firmly in defence of the rights, welfare, dignity, and collective interests of BCOS workers.
We urge members of staff, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the false narrative that union leaders begged management. The meeting was a peace initiative facilitated by the NLC and RATTAWU State Council, and our participation was guided solely by our commitment to industrial harmony and the welfare of workers.
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We remain open to genuine dialogue and sustainable solutions but will not be intimidated into abandoning our responsibility to the workforce we represent.
More: Ireport247news
