Aviation unions yesterday expressed their disenchantment over attempts by the government to prohibit them from embarking on industrial action.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) , Nigerian Association of Aviation Professional (ANAP) said they are dismayed over the infusion of certain obnoxious clauses in the act passed by the National Assembly which classified aviation workers as essential personnel , who should not take part in industrial action.
At a briefing in Lagos, General Secretary, NUATE, Comrade Ocheme Aba said the importation of such clause in the act of aviation agencies passed by the National Assembly and before the President for assent is at variance with extant laws regarding the status of aviation unions and the laws of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The unions said such clause was another attempt to supress and repress aviation workers who have legitimate rights to speak up on issues in their sector through trade unions activities.
The unions threatened that unless the persons who infused such clause into the bill are exposed and punish , aviation workers at airport nationwide will on September 12, 2022 embark on a protest to draw attention to the issue.
They said if no action is taken to expunge the clause after 14 days, aviation workers will embark on a strike.
The unions also kicked over provisions in the bill, which gives the Minister of Aviation overriding powers to direct affairs on issues affecting trade unions in the industry, which they have described as usurpation of the duties of the Ministry of Labour.
Aba while giving details on the matter said classifying aviation workers bad essential services personnel is at variance with ILO categorization.
He said withdrawal of services by personnel that threatens lives could be described as essential , for which the transport sector does not qualify.
He said only air traffic control services qualify as essential ; because their advisory function to aircraft in flight.
He said aviation unions have carried along the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress along in the bid to reverse the ugly trend ; which seeks to muzzle aviation workers.