CoS: Aviation unions ground activities at airports

 

Posted by Sade Williams

 

 

Members of four aviation 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 Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees , on Monday embarked on a two-day day warning strike over refusal by the Federal government to release reviewed Condition of Service of the workers in aviation agencies.

As early as 4. am, the workers had gone to the Lagos airport to barricade roads leading into the agencies offices and the airport.

Part of the reasons for the warning strike was the planned demolition of aviation agencies headquarters in Lagos.

The Unions had late yesterday warned that there was no going back until the Government meets their demands and while speaking to our correspondent this morning, a unionist said they had mobilised as early as midnight with security agencies lurking around to forestall any deterioration of the industrial action.

The unions also asked their members at other stations to join the strike.

The action is happening despite a meeting called by the Director-General, Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Musa Nuhw hich ended in a stalemate on Sunday.

It was learnt that epresentatives of the unions and permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, were in attendance.

Passengers were seen treking distances with luggage to the airport as vehicular movement was paralysed.

Cars both private and Commercial could not move freely as the members barricade the roads.

Airline operators said they were flying as aircraft were on ground but that passengers were delayed due to gridlock caused by the warning strike.

The strike continues on Tuesday.