The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has stated that the Senior Staff Association (SSA) has no place in the media and cultural sectors, insisting that all workers in the industries, regardless of rank or designation, remain members of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).

Ajaero made the declaration in Abuja during the maiden UNI Africa Regional Conference of the Global Union for Media, Entertainment and Arts (UNI-MEI), which brought together delegates from 140 affiliated unions representing millions of workers across more than 70 countries.

The hosting rights for the landmark conference were granted to RATTAWU, positioning Nigeria at the centre of discussions on the future of media, entertainment and arts workers across Africa and beyond.

According to the NLC President, every worker within the electronic broadcast media and cultural organisations falls under the jurisdiction of RATTAWU, irrespective of grade level, managerial status or position held within their workplace.

A former media practitioner himself, Ajaero lamented the poor remuneration and welfare conditions of media professionals who continue to render essential services during weekends, public holidays and other periods when many workers are off duty.

He called on the Federal Government to recognise media and cultural workers as strategic partners in national development by introducing a special salary structure tailored to the peculiar demands of the profession.

Ajaero further pledged the support of the organised labour movement to RATTAWU’s ongoing campaign for improved welfare packages for its members.

He assured that the NLC would mobilise Nigerian workers in solidarity with RATTAWU as its National President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, continues to push for a special compensation package and enhanced welfare framework for media and cultural workers across the country.

The conference also provided a platform for global labour leaders to exchange ideas on workers’ rights, fair remuneration, industry sustainability and the future of media, entertainment and arts professions in a rapidly changing world.

This report was signed by Public Relations Officer, PRO of RATTAWU, Comrade Izang Francis Atsen in a powerful press statement