ATSSSAN Commends SAHCO Over 40% Salary Increase, Seeks Implementation of Long Service Awards
The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has applauded the management of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) for implementing a 40 per cent salary increase for its workforce, describing the move as a significant step towards improving employee welfare and boosting staff morale.
The commendation was made by the National President of ATSSSAN, Comrade John Ogala Ogbe, during a courtesy visit by the union’s newly elected national executives to the management of SAHCO.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ogbe praised the aviation ground handling company for prioritising the wellbeing of its employees through the salary review.
He noted that the gesture reflected management’s commitment to creating a more motivated and productive workforce amid prevailing economic challenges.
While expressing appreciation for the salary enhancement, the ATSSSAN President urged the company to expedite the implementation of the long service award scheme as provided for in the organisation’s conditions of service.
He said recognising employees who have dedicated many years to the company would further strengthen staff commitment and loyalty.
Ogbe also called on SAHCO to ensure greater inclusion of women in training opportunities, particularly those organised outside station locations. According to him, providing more opportunities for female employees to participate in capacity-building programmes would promote gender balance and professional development within the organisation.
The union leader thanked the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and reaffirmed ATSSSAN’s commitment to maintaining a cordial working relationship with management.
He emphasised that one of the core principles of the union was genuine collaboration, noting that ATSSSAN fully understood the sensitive and strategic nature of the aviation industry.
He therefore encouraged the company’s management to place confidence in the branch executives elected by workers, stressing that they were legitimate representatives of employees and valuable partners in fostering industrial harmony.
Ogbe further pledged the union’s readiness to continue working closely with management in advancing the collective interests of both staff and the organisation.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, described Comrade Ogbe as a passionate advocate for workers’ welfare, recalling his contributions to labour matters during his tenure as an executive member at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
She praised his determination and commitment during negotiations involving workers’ interests, noting that his track record had earned him respect across the aviation industry.
Aboderin observed that both SAHCO and ATSSSAN ultimately shared the same objective of ensuring the growth and sustainability of the company, although they often approached issues from different perspectives.
According to her, modern-day unionism must evolve in line with the realities of the 21st century, requiring a balance between workers’ rights and organisational productivity.
The SAHCO Managing Director stressed the importance of discipline among union members, cautioning that union membership should not be interpreted as a licence for absenteeism or indiscipline.
She also urged ATSSSAN to intensify efforts in mentoring its members against the use of illicit substances, warning that substance abuse was becoming an increasingly troubling concern within society and workplaces.
Aboderin reaffirmed SAHCO’s commitment to enhancing employee welfare, stating that the recently implemented 40 per cent salary increase was part of ongoing efforts to improve staff wellbeing and ensure a happier, more productive workforce.
Addressing concerns over the long service award scheme, she disclosed that management had already approved the programme and acknowledged the existence of a backlog. However, she assured the union that steps were being taken to clear the outstanding cases and fully implement the initiative.
