Government on Monday urged Nigeria’s striking aviation sector employees to call off the action and resume work, on the assurance that their requested adjustment of the minimum wage would soon be paid.
Oluseyi Odutayo, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Aviation Ministry said the ministry had made efforts to address the aviation workers’ demands.
Odutayo described the strike as unnecessary and observed that it would increasing hardship to Nigerians and lead to economic losses.
He asked the aggrieved workers to sheathe their swords, shelve their strike and contribute their quota to growing the aviation industry.
He further said: “The unions should also note, if they are not already aware, that consequential adjustment of the minimum wage has been finalised and about to be paid anytime soon. We have always conveyed this information in the several conversations and meetings held with the unions,” the statement read.
“The Management of the Ministry of Aviation is open to continuous engagement with the unions to improve their welfare. However, this can only be done in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect.
“Let me reiterate that while we are appealing to the unions to sheath the sword, the management will view seriously any behaviour by any Union that is likely to lead to a breakdown of law and order at our airports.”
Aviation sector workers embarked on a two-day warning strike on Monday, disrupting road traffic in and around the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos as well as causing a rescheduling of flights.
Included in the action were the National Union of Air Transport Employee (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
