Victor EzejaThere are indications that flight operations nationwide will be grounded on Tuesday, 8th February as aviation workers’ unions have threatened to go on strike over unresolved issues of welfare.
The Aviation workers unions that will be involved in the action include, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professional (ANAP), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employee (NUATE).
In a statement jointly signed by NUATE general secretary, Comrade Ocheme Aba and ATSSSAN deputy general secretary, Comrade Frances Akinjole, the unions cited refusal by the Ministry of Aviation and allied agencies to implement the Minimum Wage and Consequential Adjustment for the workers since 2019.
The leaders of the unions have directed their members to suspend aviation services begining from midnight of Tuesday.
Highlighting the reason for the action the union leaders said, ”Our Unions variously issued ultimatums to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the six aviation agencies over the vexed issues of failure to release negotiated Conditions of service of the Agencies since 2013 and non-implementation of Minimum Wage/Consequential Adjustment since 2019. All the ultimatums expired 31st January, 2019 without the demands being met in any form.”
“The meeting called by the Federal Ministry of Aviation on the same 31st of January, 2013 did not resolve the issues as there was no clear assurance from the Ministry/Managements’ delegation towards meeting our genuine demands.
“In the circumstance, our Unions are left with no choice than to take the next obvious step. In this regard, all aviation workers are hereby directed to commence total withdrawal of services from midnight of Tuesday 8th of Feb, 2022 unless, and until, otherwise directed in this same manner.
“Accordingly, all branches and State Councils of the undersigned Unions are to commence joint and individual mobilisation of aviation workers nationwide and ensure total compliance with this directive in all stations of operations of the six aviation agencies without fail.
“By this notice, all airlines, ground handling, aviation security/logistics, in flight catering, and other aviation related businesses as well as the travelling and general public are hereby notified that aviation services will be unavailable as from the given time until the issues are fully resolved.”
They urged management of aviation agencies and the ministry of aviation to act accordingly and ensure that their demands are met in order to avert the crisis that may be occur in the sector as a result of their planned action.
“May we advise the managements of FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, NIMET, AIB and NCAT, in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to avert this huge crises by prevailing on the relevant government agencies to act jointly to ensure that our twin demands are met,” the union leaders stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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