Less than two weeks from reopening after six months of inactivity due to COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s airspace may again be shut on Monday as four aviation unions have declared support for the planned nationwide strike by Organised Labour.
The four unions in the aviation industry on Friday expressed their support for the nationwide strike proposed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to force the Federal government to reverse the recent increase in pump price of petrol and electricity tariff.
The unions are the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
The unions specifically directed their workers to withdraw their services from Monday, September 28.
The General Secretary of the National Union of Aviation Employees, Mr. Aba Ocheme, assured that members would withdraw their services from the country’s aerodromes indefinitely.
He said: “Sure, airports will not operate from Monday. As you are aware, the NLC and TUC have declared indefinite nationwide strike action with effect from Monday, September 28, 2020.
“Our unions as above named are in full support of the strike.
“As such, all workers in the aviation sector are hereby directed to withdraw their services at all aerodromes nationwide as from 00hrs of 28th September 2020 until otherwise communicated by the NLC/TUC or our unions.
“All workers shall comply.”