Aviation unions give FG 14 days to expunge smuggled clauses from bill

By Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Traffic movement was yesterday morning at the local wing of the Lagos airports distorted as aviation workers embarked on a peaceful protest over some clauses in the Aviation bill passed by the National Assembly.

The unions officials and their members matched around the domestic terminals chanting solidarity songs and carried placards that had different messages

The early morning rains in Lagos did not stop the protesting unions from demanding and insisting that the clauses in the bill be removed for industrial harmony.

Gates and Offices of FAAN, NAMA and the NCAA were locked as all members of the three unions, NUATE, ATSSSAN, ANAP and NAAPE joined in the protest.

The unions said the clauses as contained in the bill said they cannot embark on strike, the minister of aviation will henceforth direct the affairs of the unions and it classifies them as essential personnel which is in variance with the ILO Convention.

The unions’ leadership explained it was a plan by those who smuggled in these clauses into the bill to deny them of their rights of Association and of expression.

They said if no action was taken to expunge the clause after 14 days, aviation workers will embark on a full blown strike.

The unions also kicked over provisions in the bill, which gives the Minister of Aviation overriding powers to direct affairs on issues affecting trade unions in the industry, which they have described as usurpation of the duties of the Ministry of Labour.

Ocheme Aba Secretary General NUATE, while giving details on the matter said classifying aviation workers as essential services personnel is at variance with ILO categorization.

He said withdrawal of services by personnel that threatens lives could be described as essential, for which the transport sector does not qualify.

According to him, only air traffic control services qualify as essential: because their advisory function to aircraft in flight.

He said aviation unions have carried along the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress along in the bid to reverse the ugly trend; which seeks to muzzle aviation workers.