The two-day warning strike by Nigerian aviation employees began on Monday with a demonstration, which undoubtedly left many passengers delayed.
On Monday, the Federal Government asked the aviation workers who were on strike to return to work by promising to pay the sought increase in the minimum wage shortly.
Oluseyi Odutayo, the ministry’s spokesperson, voiced the ministry’s disapproval at the workers’ industrial action in a statement, claiming the ministry has made attempts to resolve their requests.
Odutayo called the strike needless and emphasised that it will put Nigerians through further hardship and cause financial losses.
He pleaded with the unsatisfied employees to put down their tools, call off their strike, and do their part to turn the nation’s aviation sector into the centre of Africa.
The Unions should also be notified, if they are not already, that the minimum wage’s resultant adjustment has been decided and will shortly be paid. Throughout all of our interactions and meetings with the Unions, we have always made sure to provide this information.
“The Ministry of Aviation’s Management is open to ongoing dialogue with the Unions to further their welfare. Nevertheless, this can only be accomplished in a climate of harmony and respect for one another.
Let me reiterate: “Although we are pleading with the Unions to put down their swords, the Management will regard seriously any behaviour by any Union that is likely to result in the collapse of peace and order at our airports.”
The two-day warning strike by aviation employees began on Monday with a demonstration, which unavoidably left many travellers stuck.
Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) are the unions engaged (ANAP).
