By Sade Williams
The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has decried the negative impact of high cost of aviation fuel, known as Jet-A1 and aircraft maintenance on the aviation sector, saying the sector is one of the worst hit in by the recession.
National President of ATSSSAN, Ahmadu Ilitrus, who presented a speech on behalf of the National Administrative Committee (NAC) at Lagos airport on Monday, said the situation is further aggravated mismanagement “ungodly interventions of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which prioritises capitals over labour concerns in some aviation undertakings, one of which is the present precarious situation our members of the Aero Contractors Airlines are beeing faced with”.
Speaking on the theme “Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal”, he pointed out that the ‘inexplicable anti-labour posture of denying workers the right to unionism by some private undertakings like; Dana Air; Medview Air; Bi-Courtney; Execujet and Arik Air, contrary to section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and other extant labour laws’ are also part of the problems of the sector.
The ATSSSAN leader further said that ‘unconscionable and perpetual casualization of aviation workers in the guise of out-sourcing, contract staffing by some mean corporate organizations in the industry are part of the problems.
“Unsavoury government policies which unduly interfere in the administration of the agencies in the aviation sectors such as the career invasion through imposition of managers from outside by the ministry to the detriment of the principle of career progression de-motivates and tend to dampen the morale of the toiling personnel are also part of it”, Illitus said.
He further stated that the determination of the Federal government to concession our four viable airports is not only a security risk to the nation but also an economic terrorism, adding that “ATSSSAN will maintain its no to concession which does no good to our members in particular, and the nation in general”.
“In the context of the theme for this year May Day celebration, it is worrisome to surmise that workers in the aviation industry, who are facing the challenges of having to manage with excruciating working conditions, inadequate operational tools, promotions, salaries, allowances stagnation and incessant redundancy, especially in the private organizations, are not even appreciated by their bosses”, he stated.
He said that the union is ever determined to continue to find solace in the spirit of their moto: “Dignity and Safety” with regard their engagements with employers of the members.
