The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero has lent is voice for better emoluments, salaries and pensions for Nigerian journalists.
The NLC President made the call during his courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Chris Isiguzo in Abuja.
Speaking during his interaction with the NUJ National President, Ajaero noted that journalists play significant role in the society.
The labour leader explained that journalists played significant roles in the fight for independence and the current democracy Nigerians are enjoying. He, however, regretted that same people are begging for their salaries to be paid.
Ajaero stated that journalism in Nigeria is getting worse by the day. He, however, expressed optimism that the use of technology has enhanced the practice.
He said, “The welfare of journalists is being underplayed. While journalists are a group of professionals fighting for everyone, nobody is for them. They are not even for themselves.
“Journalists do not have weekends, public holidays or festive season.
“They work and report the activities of people who are enjoying weekends, public holidays and festivities.
“Even when a journalist is sacked or not paid for one year, other journalists will not write a story on such injustice,” Ajaero bemoaned.
The labour leader added, “I am advocating for a consultative machinery that we should hold every two years. To have a negotiation with all media employers in the county to fix minimum wage for journalists.
“Also, there should be pension that all journalists should enjoy after retiring from the job. Insurance cover is another thing that Journalists should enjoy to make them work better.”
Ajaero therefore, stressed that non-payment of journalists’ salaries should not be encouraged. He stated that they should be treated as a criminal offence.
He acknowledged that it has not been easy for publishers. But maintained that they should do the needful for their employees, particularly payment of their salaries.
“Most reporters spend their little salaries on transportation to do their job. This is unacceptable.
“We are in the era of social and online media. There is also the need to regulate the online media practice.
“It should be regulated in such a way that they will be part of NUJ. You need to accommodate them and know what they are doing,” Ajaero added.
Responding, the NUJ President, Isiguzo said NUJ is doing a lot to address abnormalities in the practice of journalism in the country.
“We are currently looking at the Code of Ethics. We are working on a review that will also stipulate the responsibilities and obligations of employers to media workers.
“Again, our check off dues don’t come to the NUJ. Where it goes to, we don’t know. That is one key issue that needs to be addressed,” Isiguzo stated.
source: News Agency of Nigeria, NAN
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