New directives issued to aviation union amid nationwide strike

Following the directive from organized labor, aviation unions in Nigeria have directed their members to commence an indefinite strike, resulting in the withdrawal of services at all airports nationwide.

Amist an emergency meeting in Abuja on Sunday, a joint statement was issued by several unions, announcing their decision to participate in the indefinite strike.

The unions involved in the decision include NUATE, ATSSSAN, ANAP, and NAAPE, who have united in their resolve to withdraw services across the nation’s airports.

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workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of 3 June 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn until further notice,” the unions stated.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 expressed disappointment and frustration that, with the exception of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who acted as a mediator, no governors or high-ranking ministers attended the meeting. This conspicuous absence was perceived as a clear indication of the government’s lack of interest in engaging in meaningful negotiations and addressing the workers’ concerns.

As the strike takes effect, the extent of its impact on Nigeria’s aviation sector and the overall economy remains uncertain. However, the unions remain resolute in their determination to secure their demands and improve working conditions for Nigerian workers.