Unions in the aviation industry in Nigeria have called for a two day industrial-wide warning strike from April 17-18, which might cause disruption in the country’s aviation sector. If their demands aren’t met, the unions have threatened to continue their strike action indefinitely. The unions, however, urge their members to follow the strike directive without making any alterations in order to compel the federal government to take action. As the union continues the strike, widespread disruptions at both local and international airports is anticipated.
The strike action may also cause airline delays, cancellations, and airport access disruptions. According to the reports, the unions’ demands have been mostly unmet by the government, which was what propelled the strike action. Workers have reportedly been petitioning several aviation bodies to evaluate their Condition of Service (CoS) in the past seven years, but to no avail. Back on February 7, the employees gave the Minister of Aviation a 14-day ultimatum to respond to their concerns, but so yet, no action has been taken.
Federal government has given the employees too much “latitude.”
Workers at the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (MIA) are also disgruntled that increases to the national minimum wage have not been implemented. This has resulted in a potential two-day strike, similar to those in the UK, France, and the rest of the world. The group of unions that called for the strike include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees.
The unions declared a similar strike last year, but a settlement with the federal government put a halt to the action. John Ojikutu, an expert in the field of aviation, addressed the press about the matter claiming that the federal government has given the employees too much “latitude.” How many of them have the necessary training? He asked, as he criticized the unions interference in the industry. Ojikutu, who faulted the NCAA for the repeated occurrence of such actions, said there should be a limit and regulations governing the workers.
Introduction of this strike action may cause significant delays.
On the other hand, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) LOS, Nigeria’s main airport that handles the vast majority of the West African nation’s international traffic, has seen disruptions in its operations. Since March, the airport’s primary runway has been closed for repair, and its closure won’t be lifted for another four weeks. The introduction of this strike action may cause significant delays and losses for airline operators, exacerbating an already difficult position. In order to create room for the new international terminal, the LOS administration has decided to demolish nearby office buildings and private aircraft hangars.
Minister of Transportation Hadi Sirika has also revealed that the airport is not yet completely functional and demolition will commence within the next two weeks. Unions, however, are fighting against the planned demolition of several structures to make room for expansion. The demolition of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) complexes have sparked protests among the agency’s employees. Frances Akinjole, the Secretary General of ATSSSAN, voiced opposition to the plan, arguing that there was no justification for the existing administration to destroy the FAAN facilities.
Government was displeased with the workers’ industrial action.
Upon initiation of the strike yesterday, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation, issued an earnest plea to the aviation unions to cease their current strike, which has severely disrupted air travel throughout the nation. Oluseyi Odutayo, a spokesman for the ministry of Aviation, said that the government was displeased with the workers industrial action despite efforts to meet the workers request. Odutayo criticized the strike, saying it was pointless and adding to Nigerians’ hardship and economic losses.
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Disruption in aviation as workers strike – The strike action may cause airport delays and cancellations. – Express your point of view.
Aviation sector is going through a lot of problem at the moment. The workers have been neglected for a long time so that’s why they are striking. I hope a permanent consideration can be given to stop the strike.
The aviation industry is facing a significant disruption due to the recent strike by aviation workers. The strike has caused significant inconvenience to passengers, financial losses for airlines, and highlighted the importance of the aviation sector to the global economy. It is important for all stakeholders to work together to find a solution that addresses the grievances of aviation workers while also ensuring that the industry can continue to thrive.
Disruption in aviation as workers strike. Nigeria is always having bad record. Why is that government of Nigeria is always not doing the needful. Always experience strike in some sectors of Nigeria
It is very unfortunate that the government will be relaxed and wait untill things get worst before any action is been taken to do the right thing knowing fully well that if the strike started it will affect alot of things in a bad way including the country economy.Government should do the right thing immediately.
Must the aviation industry crises result to industrial action before Federal Government respond to cases? Anyways, that is the only language understood by the FG. John Ojikutu didn’t spoke too well. How can you say that those whose entitlement were witheld from them shouldn’t request for what belongs to them. However, considering the effect on the economy, I will suggest that the government act fast to ameliorate the situationn.
This industrial wide strike needs to call off as soon as possible cause if care is not taken it will cause unimaginable disruption and delay if it later lead to indefinite strike.
They should not allow the strike to cause delay in airport government should do what is necessary for the workers so to afford strike in the aviation sector
I understand why they are taking this strike, the government has not been treating these aviation workers to what they deserve and as they go on this strike, I hope things get better for them.
These airline workers share some of the blame; they are excessively corrupt, and the government’s refusal to accommodate their demands during a strike which was not well received.
Now that the strike has begun, the economic situation of the nation and other areas will suffer severely; the government, therefore, needs to act promptly to prevent more damage.
Governments should make accommodations for striking workers in the aviation industry to prevent delays at airports.
The Federal Government are known for not fulfilling their promises so they should endeavour to meet the demands of the union so that the aviation workers can call off their strike because this action has disrupted most official appointment, urgent calls that demand immediate travel etc.