Fakoyejo OlalekanThe Minister of Aviation has spoken against the ongoing strike by five unions in the aviation industry, stating that the industrial action would increase hardship in the country.
In a statement released on Monday by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Aviation, Oluseyi Odutayo, the aviation workers were told to end the strike to prevent economic losses.
Odutayo said the strike will also affect Nigeria’s public image in the global aviation industry, leading to a negative rating on the country’s aviation sector.
Aviation workers under the umbrella; the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees, embarked on a two-day strike, starting from Monday to Tuesday.
He said the aviation unions didn’t inform the ministry before going ahead with the strike. It was revealed that the government and its agencies are already working to meet the demands of the workers before industrial action.
“On conditions of service in some of the agencies, it is a work in progress. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is already carrying out assessments and will soon conclude.
“The unions should also note, if they are not already aware, that the consequential adjustment of the minimum wage has been finalised and is about to be paid anytime soon. We have always conveyed this information in the several conversations and meetings held with the unions,” Odutayo said.
The ministry also defended its decision to concession airports, as the spokesperson said it is the way to improve infrastructure and make the airports economically viable
“On the concession of airports, the unions are aware of global practices and for the aviation industry in Nigeria to be the hub in Africa, the concession is the way to improve infrastructure and make our airports economically viable as this is without loss of jobs.” the statement reads.
The spokesperson said while the government is appealing to the unions to end the strike, it will not accept an action that results in a breakdown of law and order at the airports.
“Let me reiterate that while we are appealing to the unions to sheath the sword; the management will seriously view any behaviour by any union that is likely to lead to a breakdown of law and order at our airports,” he said, adding, “The ministry wishes to appeal to the unions to call off the strike and join hands with management to make the aviation industry a hub in Africa.”
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