What is the work environment in media houses after recent layoffs? and which newspaper house has an oath of secrecy form for staff to sign. Find out in our new OFF RECORDS reports.
‘Help work is killing us’
Due to the impact of Coronavirus on the media sector, it is understandable that some companies have no choice but to cut down on their staff strength.
In doing this, however, it must be ensured that the number left is enough to do the job required.
Reports reaching us from newsrooms across the country indicate that the retained staff are overworked.
“Imagine a situation where production editors have been sacked and reporters now have to write and produce the pages. We end up leaving the office very late and endangering our lives.
“We practically have no life apart from work and the job is killing me,” one reporter thinking of resigning his appointment told OFF RECORD.
Despite the complaints of not having enough hands to work, there is a report of a new list being compiled in another Lagos based newspaper.
“The board has approved the further reduction of staff and no one is sure who will be retained,” a staff of the company stated. All the staff of the company earlier placed on forced leave have been told their services are no longer required.
OATH OF SECRECY
The Human Resources Department of an Abuja based national newspaper should be commended for its claim to ensuring automation of its processes in line with HR best practices.
One of the forms it, however, came up with for staff usage is a source of worry for employees of the company. It is titled Declaration of Fidelity and Secrecy.
Based on this form, any staff who is pronounced guilty of breaching the provisions risks losing his or her jobs.
Many staff were initially reluctant to sign the form, but they have had to as it is a requirement for all employees of the company.
“We are worried that the use of this form may be a basis for sacking staff who may be suspected of leaking any information about the company even when they did not.
“As long as the management does the right thing, it should not be afraid of anyone leaking any information,” a staff told OFF RECORD
Below is the content of the controversial form.
………………………………………………………………………………………….. do hereby solemnly declare that I will faithfully, truly and to the best of my judgment, skill and ability, execute and perform the duties required of me as …………………………………………………………………………………. of the Media Trust Limited and which properly relate to my office or position in the said Company. I will not, except as authorized to do by my superior officer or by the Board of Directors of the Company or by a court of law, reveal to any person(s) or company any of the trade secrets, confidential operations processes or dealings or any actions or affairs of the Company or its subsidiaries which may come to my knowledge during my employment. I shall keep with complete secrecy all confidential information entrusted to me and shall not use or attempt to use such information in any manner, which may injure or cause loss either directly or indirectly to the Company nor will I allow any person to inspect or have access to any books or documents belonging to or in the possession of the Media Trust Limited and relating to the business of the Media Trust Limited.
I clearly understand and accept that any breach of this undertaking is gross misconduct rendering me liable to the appropriate disciplinary penalty of dismissal.
