Labour warns airlines against obstructing workers’ union rights

• Published On: 27 November 2024 at 20:20

The Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum in Nigeria has issued a warning to airline operators who refuse to enable their employees to unionize. The unions warned that this approach could lead to considerable conflict, but they refrained out of respect for Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who has been apprised of the situation. The conference stressed that persistent noncompliance could result in harsh action from workers.

During the 2nd Annual Strategic Aviation Trade Union Leadership Conference in Lagos, union officials expressed their dissatisfaction with airline companies' refusal to allow workers to organize.

The conference, titled "Synergy for Safety and Production Management - Labour Collaboration," provided an opportunity for unions to address this recurring issue and underline the importance of improved industrial collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Ahmadu Ilitrus, the National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and Chairman of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions' Forum, emphasized that it is a worker's right to join a union and stated that they will not rest until "workers' rights are allowed and protected to the fullest."

He further indicated that the problem had been notified to both the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.

He stated, "This has been going on for some time now; a reasonable number of airlines have allowed their employees to join unions, but the majority of them have refused." That is not right, and it should not be done at the request of employers; it is the right of employees to join unions, as well as the right of unions to organize.

"But we have taken our case to the Minister for Aviation and the Minister of Labour and we have been asked to allow the two entities to meet on the matter but if nothing is done, we shall meet as unions and strategize on our next line of action."

Alale Adedayo, the National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, also expressed his disgust with the situation, accusing the airlines of obstructing workers from unionizing and comparing their conduct to enslaving Nigerian workers. He denounced the approach as unacceptable and incompatible with worker rights.

Adedayo reminded the airlines that Nigerian workers have the constitutional and legal right, under industrial laws, to join any union or group of their choosing.

He highlighted that denying them this access constitutes a blatant breach of these rules.

He stated, "It will not be helpful when a worker begins to work for an organization out of fear, and such can also impede the organization's forward movement. Aside from the constitution, even industrial laws allow for freedom of association, but due to the internal motives of these airlines, they are attempting to prevent workers from unionizing. We will not agree, and we have rejected it completely.

"We have visited with them several times and spoken about this subject, but to no avail. For example, Turkish Airlines recently arrived in our country and decided to enslave our people, which they will never tolerate in their own country; now is the time to put an end to all of these airline operators' mindsets.

"We have written to the Honourable minister on the matter and he has promised to meet airline operators to resolve the matter but should they refuse, our next line of action will be made public."

Responding, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, praised the meeting for encouraging collaboration in the aviation industry. He emphasized the value of collaboration and conversation in addressing industrial difficulties.

Keyamo, represented by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's Director of Special Duties, Henry Agbebire, acknowledged the critical role aviation unions play in raising labor morale, promoting best practices, and maintaining the sector's efficient operation.

He recognized their commitment to the industry's overall prosperity and stability.

Agbebire emphasized that the conference provides an excellent opportunity to explore creative solutions, increase collaboration, and chart a course for greater synergy in the aviation sector.

"I am determined to expand our relationship with aviation unions. Our collaborative efforts have already produced excellent results, and I am happy of the constructive partnerships we have established thus far.

"I commend the organisers for their foresight and dedication in hosting this important event and I assure you of my continued support as we work together to advance the ideals of safety, productivity, and sustainability in Nigeria's aviation sector," Agbebire tweeted.