In a bid to address long-standing concerns within the aviation sector, five major aviation unions in the country have recently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and take immediate action. These unions have highlighted the issue of certain agencies operating without valid Conditions of Service (CoS) for an extended period, which has had a detrimental impact on the industry.
In a letter dated June 19, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Association of Aircraft Pilot and Engineers (NAAPE), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) jointly addressed their concerns to the President.
The unions emphasized the urgent need for the President’s intervention in rectifying the situation. They pointed out that despite agreements between the management of aviation agencies and the unions, the appropriate authorities have failed to review the Conditions of Service. Consequently, employees have been left in a state of uncertainty and dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, the unions requested President Tinubu’s attention regarding the implementation of the Finance Act 2022, which mandates a 40 percent deduction from the financial accruals of aviation agencies. They pleaded that these deductions be waived for aviation agencies to ensure their self-sufficiency and maintain productivity.
The unions highlighted the non-profit nature of aviation agencies, emphasizing that they operate on a cost recovery basis. Therefore, subjecting them to a significant 40 percent deduction from their financial accruals would severely undermine their ability to function effectively.
The letter stated, “It is because of the above that our unions passionately and humbly seek your golden intervention to call to order all the agencies involved that are using the instrumentality of government to wreak havoc and cause untold hardship on our members in the aviation industry.”
The unions stressed the critical importance of maintaining the safety-related functions of aviation agencies. They emphasized the potential consequences if these agencies were incapacitated and unable to fulfill their vital roles.
In light of the impending dangers facing the aviation sector, the unions implored the President to exempt aviation agencies from the 40 percent deduction, ensuring the preservation of their essential safety functions.
Furthermore, the unions expressed their concerns about the possibility of resorting to strike actions. They acknowledged the newness of President Tinubu’s administration and the potential misinterpretation of any strike action against the government at this crucial juncture. However, they also emphasized the immense pressure they face to address the plight of the affected workers.
The unions concluded their letter by urging urgent steps to be taken to avert any potential strike actions and to resolve the ongoing impasse in a manner that safeguards the interests of the aviation industry and its workers.
As the aviation sector awaits President Tinubu’s response, the entire industry remains on edge, hopeful for a swift and favorable resolution to these pressing issues.
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