The Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that the planned strike by aviation unions scheduled to begin on Monday has been suspended following its intervention.
Keyamo in a statement on Sunday announced that the decision came after discussions with the unions and positive steps taken to address their demands.
The unions involved include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).
The statement reads, “We are happy to announce that, after our intervention, the planned strike by the Aviation Unions due to commence tomorrow has been shelved. The unions comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE) issued a joint statement suspending the strike.
“Given my long relationship with labour Unions, I have continued to work with our Comrades to find lasting solutions to issues that have been pending in the sector long before we came to office and by showing absolute good faith, the issues would be resolved one by one.”
In a joint statement dated 8 August which was shared by Keyamo, the unions said the move followed the release of a ‘no objection’ letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission, as well as assurances from the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to implement new remunerations alongside August salaries.
They noted that the suspension of the strike until the end of August was a show of good faith while they monitor developments.
The statement also recognised the efforts of the Minister, senior ministry officials, and NAMA’s management in facilitating progress on the matter.
