Aviation unions suspend planned strike

Aviation unions have suspended their proposed strike following a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Aviation.

The decision was made known in a statement obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Monday.

The statement was jointly signed by the secretaries of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees.

The statement said the unions were considering the overall interest of the aviation industry in the country and, as such, have taken the decision to await the outcome of the meeting slated for May 9.

The meeting is to be held with the National Salaries and Wages and Commission, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Ministry of Aviation.

This came barely one week after the unions threatened to embark on an indefinite industrial action over issues relating to the salaries and conditions of service of their members.

The statement read in part, “Therefore, based on the visible efforts of the Ministry of Aviation led by the Hon. Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, 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.”

The statement also disclosed that the minimum wage consequential adjustment was reflected in the April salary.

“We can confirm, however, that the adjustment has been finally effected with this April’s salaries.”

Following the meeting, Sirika canceled the plans to demolish the building housing some agencies in the aviation sector.

The statement added,” Based on an 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 will be concluded at a meeting on the 9th of May, 2023. Invite has been extended to our Unions to attend the meeting.

“Similarly, we are hopeful that arrangements will be firmed up for the liquidation of the arrears accruing from the implementation of minimum wage consequential adjustment for NiMet at the meeting on the 9th.”