JUST IN: Aviation Unions Issue Fresh Directives To Members Over Nationwide Strike
In compliance with the directive from organized labour to embark on an indefinite strike, Nigerian aviation unions have instructed their members to withdraw services at all airports across the country.
This decision follows an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Sunday and was jointly announced by the unions.
The unions involved include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
The joint statement, signed by General Secretary of NUATE Ocheme Aba, Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN Frances Akinjole, Secretary-General of ANAP Abdul Rasaq Saidu, and General Secretary of NAAPE Olayinka Abioye, declared that the withdrawal of services would begin at midnight on Monday, June 3, 2024. This action aligns with the broader mobilisation efforts by all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to ensure the strike’s success.
“In compliance with the directive from our labour organizations—Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria—we hereby inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators, aviation businesses, and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of 3 June 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn until further notice,” the unions stated.
Recognising the complexities of international travel, the unions clarified that the strike at international terminals would commence on June 4. They emphasized the importance of the strike and urged all aviation workers to fully comply, assuring that branch officers would ensure complete adherence across all airports.
The NLC and TUC announced the indefinite nationwide industrial action in response to the federal government’s failure to conclude and pass into law a new National Minimum Wage Act and its refusal to reverse the electricity tariff hike from N225/kWh to N65/kWh.
At a joint press conference in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed their disappointment with the government’s handling of negotiations for a new minimum wage. They criticized the absence of high-ranking government officials at the negotiation meeting, indicating a lack of seriousness and respect for the demands of Nigerian workers.
The labour leaders specifically noted that no governors or key ministers, except for the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who acted as a conciliator, attended the meeting. This absence was seen as a sign of the government’s disregard for the negotiation process and the workers’ demands.
As the strike commences, its impact on Nigeria’s aviation industry and the broader economy remains to be seen. The unions remain steadfast in their commitment to achieving their goals and ensuring better conditions for Nigerian workers.
