The Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum in Nigeria has issued a warning to airline operators refusing to allow their workers to unionize. The unions cautioned that this stance could lead to significant conflict, though they have held back out of respect for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has been informed of the issue. The forum emphasized that continued non-compliance could provoke strong action from workers.
During the 2nd Annual Strategic Aviation Trade Union Leadership Conference in Lagos, union leaders expressed their frustrations over airline operators’ refusal to allow workers to unionize.
The conference, themed “Synergy for Safety and Production Management – Labour Collaboration,” served as a platform for the unionists to address this ongoing challenge and emphasize the need for better collaboration in the industry.
Speaking at the event, the National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria who also doubles as the Chairman of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum, Ahmadu Ilitrus, emphasized that it is the right of a worker to join a union adding that they will not rest until “ workers rights are allowed and protected to the fullest.”
He further stated that the issue has been reported to both the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.
He said, “This is something that has been going on for some time now, a reasonable number of the airlines have allowed their workers to join the unions while the majority of them have refused. That is not right, it is not something that should be at the behest of the employers, it is the right of the employees to join unions and the rights of the unions to organise.
“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.”
Also expressing his displeasure on the matter, the National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Alale Adedayo criticized the airlines for preventing workers from unionizing, describing their actions as tantamount to enslaving Nigerian workers. He condemned the attitude as unacceptable and contrary to labor rights.
Adedayo reminded the airlines that Nigerian workers have the constitutional and legal right, under industrial laws, to join any union or association of their choice.
He emphasized that denying them this right is a clear violation of these provisions.
He stated, “It won’t be helpful when a worker begins to work for an organisation out of fear and such can also hinder the forward movement of the organisation aside from the constitution, even industrial laws allow for the freedom of association but because of the interior motives of these airlines they are trying to debar workers from unionising. We won’t agree and we have rejected that in its totality.
“Several times we have met them and we have spoken on this matter but all to no avail. For instance, Turkish Airlines just came into our country and decided to enslave our people, a behaviour they will never accept in their country, now is the time to stop all these attitudes by airline operators.
“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, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, commended the forum for fostering collaboration within the aviation industry. He highlighted the importance of unity and dialogue in addressing industry challenges.
Keyamo, represented by th, Director of Special Duties at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire recognized the crucial role aviation unions play in boosting workforce morale, promoting best practices, and ensuring the smooth operation of the sector.
He acknowledged their contributions to the overall success and stability of the industry.
Agbebire highlighted that the conference offers a valuable platform to explore innovative solutions, strengthen collaboration, and establish a path for greater synergy within the aviation sector.
“I am committed to strengthening our collaboration with aviation unions. Our collective efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, and I am proud of the constructive relationships we have built so 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 stated.
