JATUF: Aviation Stakeholders Lament Abuse Of Employees’ Rights To Unionise

November 23, (THEWILL) – Stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry have decried a series of abuses of employees’ rights to belong to the unions of their choice.

The Chairman of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum (JATUF), Comrade Ahmadu Ilitrus, who made the observation at the 2nd Annual Strategic Aviation Unions Leadership Conference, warned that airlines are still frustrating the rights of the workers in Nigeria.

Ilitrus, however, stated that the law allows the workers to join the unions to contribute to creating an enabling environment to grow the industry.

The JATUF Chairman, who emphasised that there was a need for them to enforce the rights of Labour to organise and the rights for workers to belong to unions of their choice, said the unions for some time have stepped down their agitations because they wanted to open an avenue for engagement between the workers and employers.

“Sadly, some of these airlines have come and gone, some have celebrated 10, 15 years, anniversaries. They terminate their workers and they pay them nothing”, he said.

Corroborating Ahmadu, President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Comrade Adedayo Alele, warned that the unions will not hesitate to take action to protect workers’ rights.

“You have freedom to associate, then the workers, you are stopping them to use their freedom to associate in their own organisation, we will deal with it”, Alale stressed.

Ben Nnabue, President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), also warned against underestimating the unions and disallowing workers to join unions of their choice.

Earlier in his goodwill message, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, had commended JATUF, stating that the gathering reflects the enduring commitment of aviation unions to foster dialogue, build consensus, and strengthen the aviation sector.

According to the Minister, safety and productivity are non-negotiable imperatives in aviation.

Achieving these objectives, the Minister said, requires a shared vision and concerted action by all stakeholders, especially the management and labour arms of the sector.

“As the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I recognise and deeply value the critical role aviation unions play in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring the seamless operation of our industry.

“This aligns closely with my administration’s Five-Point Agenda, which prioritises Safety and Security, Infrastructure Development, Economic Growth, Human Capital Development, and Partnerships and Collaboration.”

Speaking through the FAAN’s Director, Corporate Services, Engr. Jensen Asaba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, said management and labour are not opposing forces but partners in progress.

Adding that ”through mutual respect and trust, we can enhance operations and uphold world-class safety standards.”

On her part, the Managing Director, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, also represented by the Director of Commercial and Business Development, Debola Agunbiade, assured the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of the workforce and strengthen industry operations.

According to her, aviation is inherently a collaborative enterprise. Achieving safety and productivity, the twin pillars of their operations, demands the concerted efforts of management and labour.

As the heartbeat of our industry, she observed that aviation unions play an indispensable role in fostering an environment of trust, professionalism, and innovation.

“I want to assure you that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of the workforce and strengthen industry operations. We will continue to work hand in hand with aviation unions to build a culture of excellence, efficiency, and safety”, she said.

The conference organised by JATUF in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was geared towards providing a valuable opportunity to explore innovative solutions, deepen collaboration, and chart a course for greater synergy amongst the unions’ management and other stakeholders to better the fortunes of the industry.

It was attended by a cross-section of Labour leaders within and outside the country including the African Regional Secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Comrade Mohammed Dauda Sefiyanu, who commended JATUF for their initiatives.