Russia-Ukraine war contributed to air fare increase – Aviation workers

Aviation workers under the aegis of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have decried the effect of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, saying it is responsible for the skyrocketing price of aviation fuel.

The workers are also set to take a decision on the raging controversy over the non-implementation of conditions of service and the consequential adjustment on new minimum wage.

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The workers had in February threatened to shut down the airspace before the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

In his message to mark the 2022 Workers’ Day celebrations, National President of NUATE, Comrade Ben Nnabue, said the aviation recovery from COVID-19 pandemic was stymied by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

He spoke in response to the recent spike in air fares.

He said, “Against the background of negative travelers’ reaction to recent air fare increases, these multiple adversities have been exceedingly crippling, particularly for airlines. This has delayed the exit of our industry from recession.

“As expected, your union has been seriously challenged by the current pall surrounding the aviation industry. Notwithstanding, however, your Union has been proving equal to the task, even making notable strides to the bargain.”

Nnabue however lamented that some “big local airlines” continue to defy the law on free association and union membership, and assured that the union would not relent to ensure the needful was done in the airlines.

He also said the twin big issues of Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment and Conditions of Service for the aviation Agencies are currently raging.

“We stand firmly by the decision of workers not to accept continuing shifting of the goal post by government agencies on these issues.

“Therefore, this week has been set out for major decisions and subsequent decisive actions that will bring these issues to a foreclosure.”

Speaking on the planned concession of airports, the NUATE President said the union is “unsatisfied with ongoing discussions” on the issue.

“We are unclear as to the government’s actual response to the demands of aviation unions on labour issues and many lapses in the concession program. In the coming weeks, important decisions will be made to chart a clear path towards ameliorating already stated demands of workers,” he added.