Aviation unions have declared their intention to participate in the upcoming indefinite labor strike set to commence on June 3.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was made following a meeting on Sunday and involves 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 strike, declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), is in response to the federal government’s refusal to raise the minimum wage from N60,000.
The unions have issued a joint statement directing their branches to adhere to the directive by NLC and TUC.
The statement co-signed by Ocheme Aba, the General Secretary of NUATE; Frances Akinjole, the deputy general secretary of ATSSSAN; Abdul Saidu, the secretary-general of ANAP; and Olayinka Abioye, the general secretary of NAAPE, reads:
“In compliance with the directive from the 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workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice.
“Being not oblivious of the fact that many international flights to Nigeria are already airborne, the strike action will commence at international terminals on the 4th of June, 2024.
“All aviation workers should recognize the seriousness of this struggle and comply unfailingly.”
The unions also directed its branch officers to ensure full compliance at all airports.
In solidarity with this cause, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have also announced their support for the strike.
