* Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, Dr. Qasim Akinreti
The Lagos Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has frowned greatly at a recent decision of the management of The Nation Newspapers to disengage over 100 journalists on its pay roll.
Addressing Journalists at his Alausa Office, the Chairman of NUJ in the State, Dr. Qasim Akinreti appreciated the fact that the management of The Nation’s Newspapers may not only be working towards staying afloat but also to remain visible following the harsh economic realities, occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He appealed to media owners and management of media organizations, particularly that of The Nation Newspapers to explore other avenues of remaining afloat, rather than sacking of journalists.
Akinreti stated that the suggestion by the NUJ was based on the fact that union members, who worked throughout the period of lockdown, have been risking their lives and have remained on the frontline for the survival of the organisation and therefore do not deserve such treatment.
“Workers needed not to be paid back with sack or disengagement, but to rather be given a pat on the back for a job well-done.
We are consequently calling on the management of media organisations to abide by a recent pronouncement by the Federal Government “that employers will not be encouraged to disengage staff without prerequisite social dialogue and clearance from Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,” Akinreti said.
He said pleaded with the management of The Nation Newspapers to, as a matter of urgency pay off all sacked workers’ benefits and entitlements.
