The unions in the aviation sector on
Monday 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.
The unions said the strike would continue indefinitely, until their demands are met by the management of Arik Air.
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.
“The management of Arik Air recalls all
sacked employees who have been victimised for their roles in the effort
to bring about unionisation in Arik Air.
“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inspection, etc, will be completely withdrawn.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.” - NAN
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