By Fisayo Akinduro
The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Ondo State Chapter, has taken steps to unionise senior staff nembers at Owena Press Limited, a key government-owned media organisation in the state.
The union aims to represent staff at Level 7 and above, emphasising the need for a stronger framework to safeguard workers’ rights and improve their welfare.
The state executive members of the union paid a familiarisation visit to the company on Friday.
Led by its chairman, Michael Adebayo, the union made it clear that its focus was solely on the welfare of its members, rather than personal interests.
In his address, Adebayo stressed that the association’s peaceful approach set it apart, reaffirming that its primary mission was to ensure the well-being of civil servants.
“We are here to build a partnership that will contribute positively to the organisation,” he said, adding, “Our aim is to make a meaningful impact, both for the company and its staff members.”
Responding, Owena Press Administrative Manager, Kole Akinjeji, acknowledged that the union’s involvement would address the pressing concerns of workers and bring stability to the organisation.
He added that the company, under its current leadership, was poised for reform, and the union’s support was crucial in this regard.
While welcoming the union, Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Owena Press, Kayode Fasua, expressed his gratitude for the union’s engagement.
Fasua, who took over the leadership of the company in October last year, noted that non-journalists in the company had lacked a formal body to represent their interests.
He assured the union that, despite the short notice, the company was ready to formalise the relationship and ensure that all dues were properly remitted.
“Our goal is to revitalise this organisation and that involves addressing both operational challenges and staff concerns in a comprehensive manner,” Fasua said.
He pledged to pursue this goal by placing the right people in the right places to optimise performance.
The State Secretary of SSASCGOC, Sunday Ajibola, reiterated the importance of union membership, stressing that the association’s work was centred on justice, fairness, and the collective welfare of its members.
“We are a government-owned union, and our focus is on the welfare of our members,” Ajibola said, adding, “Our dues are affordable, and they are reinvested into the benefits of our members.”
He stated that SSASCGOC would continue to advocate for the rights of workers while maintaining a collaborative approach with management.
During a meeting with senior staff members of Owena Press, employees highlighted various challenges, which the union assured them would be addressed over time.