- Union leaders criticised airlines for denying workers their constitutional right to unionise
The Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum has urged Nigerian airlines to stop preventing workers from unionising, warning of potential industrial action if the issue persists.
Union leaders disclosed that the matter had been reported to the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and noted that airlines had so far avoided direct confrontation with workers out of respect for his intervention.
Speaking at the Annual Strategic Aviation Trade Union Leadership Conference in Lagos, union leaders criticised airlines for denying workers their constitutional right to unionise.
Ahmadu Ilitrus, National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, said, “We will not rest until workers’ rights are fully protected.” He revealed that while some airlines had complied, most still refuse to allow workers to join unions.
Alale Adedayo, President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, described the airlines’ actions as “enslaving workers,” stating, “Such practices violate the Nigerian Constitution and industrial laws. This behaviour, like that of Turkish Airlines, must stop.”
Meanwhile, Festus Keyamo, represented by Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria official Henry Agbebire, praised unions for fostering collaboration and assured them of continued support to advance safety and productivity in the aviation sector.
Unions have pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights while awaiting the government’s resolution on the matter.
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