Aviation workers’ unions in Nigeria have threatened to go on strike over the government’s refusal to release the reviewed conditions of service that were negotiated over seven years ago.
The workers are also aggrieved over the non-implementation of the National Minimum Wage consequential adjustments and arrears for workers of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency since 2019.
In addition, the union has rejected the planned demolition of aviation agency buildings in Lagos to pave the way for an airport city project initiated by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
The workers have issued a two-day warning strike notice signed by the secretaries general of five aviation unions – National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees.
If the warning strike, scheduled to commence on April 17, fails, the unions have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike.
The workers have directed their members to comply with the directive, and all state councils, branches, and executives have been mandated to enforce the directive.
Copies of the notice of the warning strike have been sent to the Airport Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Airport Commandants of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, chief executive officers of aviation agencies, and foreign airlines. The situation may disrupt aviation services in Nigeria if the industrial action sails through.
The government needs to address the workers’ grievances to prevent the strike, which may lead to a total shutdown of the aviation sector. It is important for both parties to dialogue and find a solution that will benefit everyone involved.
The aviation workers deserve fair compensation and good working conditions, and the government must ensure that their demands are met. Failure to do so will result in the loss of revenue, and it will affect the overall economy of the country.