Flight disruptions imminent as aviation unions join labour strike

Aviation unions have announced readiness to join the planned indefinite labour strike scheduled to begin on June 3.

The unions announced the decision after a meeting on Sunday.

They include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).

On May 31, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) declared an indefinite nationwide strike from June 3, over the federal government’s refusal to increase the minimum wage from N60,000.

Complying with the directive, on June 1, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) said its members would join the strike.

In a joint statement, the unions directed its branches to comply with the NLC and TUC directive.

The statement was jointly signed by signed by Ocheme Aba, general secretary of NUATE; Frances Akinjole, deputy general secretary of ATSSSAN; Abdul Saidu, secretary-general of ANAP; and Olayinka Abioye, NAAPE’s general secretary.

“In compliance with the directive from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria—we hereby inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators, aviation businesses, and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice,” the statement reads.

“Being not oblivious of the fact that many international flights to Nigeria are already airborne, the strike action will commence at international terminals on the 4th of June, 2024.

“All aviation workers should recognize the seriousness of this struggle and comply unfailingly.”

The unions also asked its branch officers to ensure full compliance at all airports.