RATTAWU suspends 3-day strike in Bayelsa

NEDU MARK, Yenagoa

The three-day industrial action embarked upon by the Radio, Television and Theatre Workers in Bayelsa State has been suspended following the intervention of the state government.

The union however vowed to commence an indefinite strike action if the government failed to meet their demands within seven days.

The radio, television and theatre arts workers in the state had on Monday downed tools in protest over what they described as “the non payment of shortfall of weigh in allowance,” by the state government.

The workers position was contained in a communiqué issued in Yenagoa and signed by the chairman, Bayelsa State Council of the Radio, Television, Theatre Arts Workers Union, (RATTAWU), Comrade Michael Okinringbo ); chairman, National Union of Printing Publishing Paper Products Workers ( NUPPPPROW), Comrade Eke Yeladou Gohon and chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Tariyon Akono.

The document reads: “Following intensive deliberations with the Head of Service and other government functionaries and promises made in respect of the three day warning strike embarked upon over the non payment of short fall of weigh in allowance, the three unions hereby resolve as follows:

“That in view of the sufficient interest and commitment shown by government to resolve the impasse within seven days, the three day warning strike is hereby suspended.

“Consequently, members of the three unions are requested to return to their duty posts by Wednesday (today).

“We express sincere appreciation to all our members for the massive solidarity.

The unions however, reiterate that should the government fail to address the issue holistically within seven days, we may be compelled to email on an indefinite strike without further notice.”