Aviation Unions React To Aero Contractor’s Suspension Of Operations

Leaders of aviation workers’ union have expressed different views on Aero Contractors’ to suspend flight operations from September 1.

Isaac Balami, president, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, applauded the decision.

Mr. Balami, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the decision of the airline was necessary in order not to destroy the safety records it had maintained over the years.

He said it was not reasonable to continue to fly when safety could not be guaranteed, adding that the airline had not carried out proper checks and maintenance because of lack of funds.

According to him, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has been providing lifeline for the airline but has since stopped putting in money.

“Due to the shortage of foreign exchange, about six or seven Aero aircraft have not undergone C-check for sometime now which is a serious safety issue.

“There is also the issue of high cost of aviation fuel which has also contributed to the non-profitability of operation.

As a professional in the industry, I believe that safety comes first,” he said.

On the other hand, Banjamin Okewu, president, Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), said the management of Aero did not carry its members along before taking the decision.

Mr. Okewu said that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment had recently asked them to go into negotiation with the airline on the matter.

He said the airline unilaterally took the decision to suspend its operation without consulting the union.

According to him, it is not possible to take such decision without engaging their members.

“We have asked our people to come to work tomorrow while we meet to decide on what to do,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the airline had on Wednesday announced the suspension of its scheduled flights citing economic reasons.

Credit: NAN

Aviation Unions To Shut Airports Midnight Sunday

Airports across the country are to be shut down on Monday as the two leading unions in the sector yesterday threatened to shut down Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA by midnight on Sunday.

The unions, National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, in a letter dated 21st October, 2015 to their members and made available to our correspondent accused NCAA of not adhering to the condition of service with respect to promotion of workers and other welfare issues.

The letter jointly signed by Secretary General, NUATE and Secretary General NAAPE, Comrades Olayinka Abioye and Aba Ocheme threatened to shut down the agency from midnight Sunday until further notice.

The unions insisted that the withdrawal of service by the workers became paramount in order to safeguard the integrity of NCAA’s condition of service.

Credit: NationalMirror