Aviation workers in Nigeria.on Monday protested against the government’s move to bar them from embarking on industrial actions irrespective of the situation.
It had emerged that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government was plotting to bar aviation workers in the country from embarking on strike.
A provision in a copy of the newly amended Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Act states that aviation workers cannot declare a strike action regardless of the situation.
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In response to the move, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and Nigerian Association of Aviation Professionals (ANAP) have jointly shown their displeasure at the draconian provisions in the National Assembly’s Act.
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.
The development 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”.
The Witness
