Aviation unions shelve strike, await outcome of May 9 meeting…

Aviation unions have shelved their plans to embark on an indefinite strike over non payment of entitlements.

A statement by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Service Employees (AUPCTRE) reads: “ Based on earlier meeting with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, there is assurance that the processes of approval of all the outstanding Conditions of Service (CoS) will be concluded at a meeting on May 9, 2023. Invitation has been extended to our unions to attend the meeting.

“We appreciate the efforts of the  Minister of Aviation, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Human Resources in the Ministry and the heads of aviation agencies for their efforts towards resolving the dispute. It is equally important to place on record the timely intervention of the Aviation Committees of the National Assembly.

“Therefore, based on the visible efforts of the Ministry of Aviation, the intervention of the National Assembly Committees of Aviation, the strident calls of many other respected Nigerians, as well as considering the overall interest of the aviation industry in Nigeria, our unions have taken the decision to shelve further actions on the stated matters and await the outcome of the meeting slated for May 9, 2023 among the Wages Commission, the Budget Office, the Ministry of Aviation/Agencies and our Unions,” they said.

Meanwhile, Sirika has restated the commitment of the Federal Government  to the continued improvement of the welfare of aviation workers through regular trainings, enhanced pay packages, provision of working tools and conducive work environments.