Sirika tasks newly elected aviation union officials on code of conduct

Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika has called on the newly elected national officials of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) to conduct themselves in line with the tenets of civil service with a view to promoting industrial harmony and air safety.

The Minister, who was represented by the Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Engr. Akin Olateru said the aviation sector was just recovering from the scourge of the Covid-19 pandemic and should not be subjected to threats and industrial actions that will inhibit its growth.

He noted that the unions have a critical role in ensuring that the sustenance and growth of the industry are prioritized above individual interests.

“The serious challenge posed by COVID-19 demands that all stakeholders work together to fashion out a viable pathway to a strong and healthy aviation industry that will offer everybody, including workers the desired dividends. The unions have a critical role to play in the growth and sustenance of the aviation industry, as their members constitute the majority of the workers who toil day and night to ensure the smooth running of the industry.

“It is agreed that unions exist to serve the interests of their members. However, in an industry that is known for low margins, especially the airline sector where labor is one of the largest costs, lowering labor costs becomes very attractive and unions will always kick. Yet, the industry needs labour just as labour needs the industry.

“We are in a period of recovery, so this is not the time for threats and spate of industrial actions which will only further inhibit the growth the industry so badly needs.

“The government, employers, and labour must work together for the best interest of the aviation industry. This is what can guarantee job security and prosperity for stakeholders. In 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) representing aviation and other transport workers worldwide, joined forces with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents aviation employers, to chart a course for the future of aviation,” said Sirika.

To ensure the smooth running of the industry while expressing their demands, Sirika advised that the unions should engage in collaborative dialogue and channel their grievances responsibly without recourse to unnecessary threats.

“We must all first work together to save aviation and keep the global supply chains going. Our unions and aviation management should prioritize collaborative dialogue to ensure the industry’s financial health and the consequent preservation and growth which will eventually enable aviation employers to provide acceptable conditions of service to their workers.

“We shall continue to carry labour along in policies and strategic moves to reposition the industry. We also expect the unions to reciprocate this gesture with a bit more consideration and support in the best interest of the aviation sub-sector,” he said.