By Micheal Oladejo,
The Executive Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mrs. Dotun Olaitan, has responded to allegations raised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), BCOS Chapel, insisting that management acted within established rules and remains committed to staff welfare and industrial harmony.
In an interview with NewsRegister Chief Publisher, Micheal Oladejo, Mrs. Olaitan gave a detailed response to the issues raised by the unions, which bordered on alleged victimisation of union officials, delayed salaries, unresolved deductions, welfare concerns, and administrative practices within the corporation.
Mrs. Olaitan’s reaction follows a joint statement by the two unions alleging victimisation of union officials, delayed salaries, unresolved deductions, welfare challenges, and administrative concerns within the corporation.
Addressing the issues point by point, the BCOS Chairman maintained that the disciplinary action taken against Comrade Aliyu Bashiru, Secretary of RATTAWU BCOS Chapel, was not linked to his union activities but was based on alleged insubordination and the organisation of an event within the corporation’s premises without management approval.
She explained that the affected staff member failed to follow due process and internal approval procedures before proceeding with the activity, stressing that such actions contravene established administrative guidelines.
“The disciplinary measure was taken strictly on the basis of insubordination and breach of procedure. It has nothing to do with union activities,” she said.
On allegations of victimisation, Mrs. Olaitan rejected the claims, insisting that no staff member is targeted for belonging to or participating in union activities.
“There is no victimisation in BCOS. Every staff member is entitled to fair hearing and due process before any disciplinary decision is taken,” she added.
Responding to concerns over welfare and salary payments, the chairman said the corporation continues to prioritise the welfare of both serving staff and pensioners despite financial constraints.
She disclosed that BCOS spends about N80 million monthly on salaries, pension obligations, and operational costs necessary to keep the organisation running.
According to her, the corporation receives a monthly subvention of N60 million from the Oyo State Government, but statutory deductions reduce the amount available to about N53 million.
She added that pension payments alone account for approximately N28 million monthly, while the remaining funds are used for salary payments and essential operational expenses.
“Despite these challenges, management continues to ensure that both staff and pensioners are paid as and when due within available resources,” she said.
Mrs. Olaitan also dismissed claims by the unions regarding neglect of staff welfare, describing them as misleading and not reflective of the current situation in the corporation.
On allegations of lack of transparency and limited stakeholder engagement, she maintained that BCOS operates within approved administrative structures and remains open to constructive engagement with recognised labour unions.
She further urged workers and union representatives to utilise established channels for communication and dispute resolution, assuring that management remains committed to maintaining industrial peace.
The BCOS Chairman also reacted to claims made by some staff members alleging worsening hardship and poor working conditions, describing such claims as unverified.
She cautioned against what she termed the spread of unsubstantiated information capable of creating unnecessary tension within the organisation.