Stop issuing strike threats, minister cautions aviation workers

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has warned aviation unions to stop issuing threats and carrying out strike actions over welfare issue.

Speaking during the third national delegate conference of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN), held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Sirika said the effect of any strike would be felt by all stakeholders in the industry.

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The minister, represented by the Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Akin Olateru, cautioned that the challenges posed by COVID-19 demands that all stakeholders work together to fashion out a viable pathway to a strong and healthy aviation industry that would offer everybody, including workers the desired dividends. 

According to him, the sector is undergoing a recovery period which requires the input of all stakeholders, adding that strike would be counterproductive and antithetical to the recovery drive.

“We are in a period of recovery, so this is not the time for threats and spate of industrial actions which will only further inhibit the growth the industry so badly needs,” he said.

He added that the forecast growth for the Nigeria Air Transport market was 174 percent over the next 20 years and if met, would have supported approximately $4.7bn of GDP and over 555,000 jobs.

President of ATSSSAN, Ilitrius Ahmadu, while speaking on a wide range of issues, said while workers had remained vehement in their opposition to concession, it is high time they subject the issue to a critical debate.