Aviation workers protest anti-workers law, shut down airports

Glory Ebomah

Aviation workers across Nigeria, on Monday, 12 September 2022 embarked on a peaceful rally to protest against the anti-workers law.

The workers who congregated under the auspices of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Nigerian Association of Aviation Professionals (ANAP), showed their irritation at the draconian provisions in the National Assembly’s Act.

The workers from their various freedom squares said that it was high time they came together to salvage the aviation industry from those who know nothing about the industry but to pass draconian laws.

Some of the workers carried placards with inscriptions such as “Banning workers from unionism is evil; ‘Workers’ mouthpiece cannot be taken away,’” and more.

“We have to come together to salvage the aviation industry. Somebody cannot be there and be dictating for us. Medical associations are on essential services and at the end of today they are going on strike, nobody can stop medical associations from going on strike. Whatever laws they have made, they cannot stop us from going on strike; that is the truth.

“We are ready to proceed on strike, all that we need is your support; just to be seeing you when you are involved,” the union echoed.

It will be recalled that earlier President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government was plotting to bar aviation workers from going on strike.

A provision in a copy of the newly amended Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Act which was obtained by SaharaReporters clearly states that aviation workers cannot declare a strike action regardless of the situation.

The Act designates aviation workers as essential personnel who are not permitted to go on strike.

On Monday, many flight operations were disrupted as Air Traffic Controllers suspended operations which affected the landing and taking-off of flights.

SaharaReports added that the protest left passengers stranded, as they also struggle to get the necessary information, and flight directives amongst others in some airports.

The affected airports include Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.

Meanwhile, at Abuja, the workers took over the street over the obnoxious Essential Services clauses from the Bills/Acts of the aviation agencies.

The workers held banners and placards, some of which read, “Buhari, don’t assent to anti-union aviation bills/acts,” and “Our voice must be heard”.