The unions in the aviation sector yesterday directed the commencement of a joint strike at Arik Air, with effect from December 20, over the airline’s failure to pay seven months salary arrears and other anti-labour practices.
The unions gave the directive in a strike notice signed by General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Mr. Olayinka Abioye; the General Secretary, Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria, Mr. Frances Akinjole; and the General Secretary of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Mr. Aba Ocheme.
They said, “That the management of Arik Air allows total unionisation of its employees, in compliance with extant labour laws and with respect to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Payment of salary arrears for seven months, with a commitment to pay salaries as at when due, henceforth.”
They also called for the immediate review of all employee remunerations which had remained the same since the inception of Arik Air, over ten years ago.
The unions further demanded for immediate commencement of negotiations of Conditions of Service to be concluded within four weeks and remittance of Pension, Tax, and statutory deductions to the appropriate authorities.
They also urged the management of Arik Air to comply with the Nigerian Expatriate Quota law.
They said, “Towards the full realisation of the strike, all aviation workers, in complete solidarity with their enslaved comrades in Arik Air shall withdraw all services being rendered by third parties.
“The aviation workers will be supported by Nigerian workers from all other sectors throughout Nigeria, to underscore the seriousness of the matter at hand.
“In the above respect, all ground handling services, security clearance for Arik Air ticket holders, marshalling, aviation fuel supply, air traffic control, safety inspection, etc, will be completely withdrawn.
“All Arik Air employees, aviation workers, and other stakeholders are hereby enjoined to ensure full compliance with this directive please.”
Arik Air has been bedevilled with various cases of strike and inefficiencies in its operation. The airline is still the largest domestic carrier but its operations has been below par.
Arik Air is not a publicly quoted company, there are no plausible reason that can be attributed to its turpsy turvy operation.
