Arik Air seeks ministers’ intervention over strike threat by employees

Arik Air has called for the intervention of Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, in a planned strike by air transport employees.

This development is coming two months after the federal government reopened domestic flights operation, and a week after international flights resumed.

In a letter dated September 11, Roy Ilegbodo, chief executive officer of Arik Air Limited, said the minister’s intervention is needed to enhance understanding and cooperation among workers’ unions.

He said air transport workers intend to participate in a planned strike action by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) which begins on Monday.

Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation, and Musa Shuaibu Nahu, director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), were also copied in the letter.

Ilegbodo faulted the planned strike action, saying it is unlikely to yield the best outcomes for staff, the company and its passengers.

“We strongly believe that the threat of strike action without an exhaustive use of the various channels of engagement, discussion, consensus and understanding is faulty and unlikely to yield the best outcomes for staff, the company and its faithful passengers,” the letter read.

“It is, in fact, an abuse of the position of union leadership as the issues in dispute cannot pass the test of fairness and only affect, in the short term, less than 20 staff out of a workforce of over 1600.”

Ilegbodo said the airline’s management has met with several staff groups to resolve issues regarding conditions of service.

He said the only area of disagreement between both parties is the request by the unions for a terminal benefit scheme over and above the requirements of the pension act.

The CEO said the unions’ demand will result in an unsustainable standard in the aviation industry.

“They request for an independent retirement benefits scheme that will be wholly funded by the airline where retiring, resigning and terminated staff will receive a lump-sum payment upon exit that will in some cases double the joint contribution of management and staff under the Pension Act of 2004 as amended,” it read.

“While it is the right of staff to share in the prosperity of a company, the request for an additional retirement scheme from a loss-making company, in receivership and whose operations are supported by creditors over and above legal requirements is simply onerous.

“Given the cost-driven challenges in the aviation sector that have seen a majority of airlines fold up in the past years, the request by the unions will set an unsustainable standard for other airlines that are struggling to survive in these difficult times.

“Notwithstanding, management restates its commitment to appropriate staff welfare and will do its best to keep workers motivated within the limit of available resources.”

Ilegbodo said the airline is enjoying the support of fuel suppliers, aircraft parts suppliers and various maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations (MRO) while managing the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “This is the kind of understanding and support we urge all our staff to imbibe so that we can ride the times and soar”.

“Honorable Minister Sir, we thank the umbrella body for Pilots and Engineers, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and the vast majority of staff for their understanding and cooperation as we navigate the post-COVID challenges,” it read.

“While we appeal that you intervene in seeking for the understanding and cooperation of the workers’ unions, we remain committed to protecting the airline and assure our stakeholders of a safe and conducive working environment. We shall also protect the interest of the flying public for a safe, friendly and on time travelling experience.”