Aviation unions, namely: Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), have cautioned the federal government against plans to sideline workers in its new moves to concession some airports.
The unions accused the Federal government of already having ‘draft agreement documents including Full Business Case of 50 years and 80 years agreement , without their inputs,’ cautioning that airports concession should not be shrouded in secrecy.
At a congress held on Tuesday at FAAN Freedom Square, the workers locked all gates leading to FAAN headquarters in protest as other directors were denied access into their offices.
Addressing the workers, the President of NUATE Comrade Ben Nnabue, said government has decided to concession the airports ‘in a manner that was not known to them’, acussibg the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo of reneging on his promise to involve the workers in all stages of the concession process.
“Posterity will not forgive them if they go to represent FAAN and sell FAAN out without calling stakeholders. There is no information that is hidden forever. Government wants to adopt Full Business Case without the workers inputs, there must he dialogue with workers regarding any concession.”, he said.
The NUATE president, who stated that Keyamo had earlier assured them that labour issues will be discussed with the unions said the documents being circulated showed an already perfected plans, including legal matters.
“ They didn’t discuss with us and they are writing issues affecting our members”, he alleged.
The president of ANAP, Comrade Adedayo Alale alleged that the process of concessioning of Enugu airport was almost concluded while that of Portharcourt and Kano were already been discussed.
Also speaking at the congress, third National President of ATSSSAN, Comrade John Ogbe however said the workers are not against concession but were against concession but should go through a transparent process.
Ogbe noted that under the last administration, the unions had the opportunity to study the Outline Business Case , saying that what they are currently planning is ‘unsolicited’Outline Business Case.
At the end of the Congress, the unions called for the implementation of the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage, adding that all issues concerning Conditions of Service should be resolved within the next two months.
