A coalition of unions representing aviation employees has vowed to go forward with an industrial strike; within the next 14 days if the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret.), does not amend the new aviation legislation’ anti-labor provisions.
The coalition includes the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers; Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, Amalgamated Unions of Public Corporations, and Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees.
Prior to the laws approved by the President, the coalition urged that the leaders of the Senate; and House Aviation Committees withdraw the legislation and remove the contentious provisions.
The contentious sentences read as follows: “All services which facilitate and maintain the smooth, orderly and safe take-off, flight; and landing of aircraft, embarkation and disembarkation, and evacuation of passengers and cargo respectively; all aerodromes in Nigeria are hereby essential services pursuant to the provisions of Section 11(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. (as altered).