We’re working to end strikes in aviation – FG
The federal government says it is working to address incessant industrial actions by unions in the aviation industry.
The government said it was collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure a ‘conflictfree’ business climate in the sector.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh stated this at a workshop on “Redefining Industrial Relations in the Aviation Industry”.
It was organized by Safecrest Services Limited, for members of the Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Badagry.
Daily Trust reports that frequent clashes by workers and Aviation agencies remain one of the challenges confronting the sector. Members of the Nigeria Air Transport Employees (NUATE) last week issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over issues relating to workers’ welfare at the authority.
The permanent secretary who expressed concern over the development said labour laws with appropriate sanctions and policies have been put in place and are being vigorously enforced to promote social justice and industrial peace between workers and managements of various parastatals.
According to him, the current industrial relations system in Nigeria is “chaotic, lawless, crisisridden and strike-prone”.
He noted that aviation remains one sector that has been badly affected by industrial crises, saying there was a need to redefine industrial relations in the sector.
This, he pointed out, would go a long way in maximizing the benefits of Aviation to the nation’s development because aviation contributes greatly to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Illoh urged labour leaders to pursue all necessary avenues and statutory procedures to settle disputes without allowing them to degenerate into huge crisis situation that could deprive the country of revenue.