Posted by Sade Williams
Pilots and Engineers, under the auspices of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), have issued two-week ultimatum to Air Peace and Bristow Helicopters to recall their sacked colleagues or they would have their operations grounded.
The workers stated this at a press conference on Wednesday, saying that the actions of the airlines were illegal.
According g to the National President of the association who led the conference, Engr. Galadima Abednego said: “We demand that Bristow and Air Peace should immediately recall all sacked pilots and aircraft engineers until all labour issues are resolved or be grounded by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) because of the attendant safety concerns created by their actions.
“As a result of the known consequences of these illegal actions and our commitment to patriotic fervor, we shall be forced to withdraw our guarantee of industrial peace within the industry if this call is not heeded within two weeks. Our union will be left with no other option but to withdraw the services of the pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers across all the airlines.”
NAAPE also appealled to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to stop intervene by prevailing on the airlines to stop further sacking of pilots and engineers, as some airlines are already at the verge of doing so.
“We call on NCAA to as a matter of urgency prevail on all airline operators to stop forthwith their unilateral and reckless sacking of pilots and engineers under the pretense of Covid-19 pandemic just like a sister regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria did in the banking sector.
While complaining about pay cuts, NAAPE said: “Most of the local airlines, especially Air Peace, Azman, Caverton Helicopters, etc have resorted to impunity regarding the salaries and wages of our members.
The union, which also complained about the padisparity between nationals and expatriates said: “Why would these operators pay foreign workers at exchange rates that are far more favorable than Nigerians who are doing the same work and with the same certifications and experience? This is not only economic sabotage but also demeans our nation and all patriotic Nigerians should join in condemning it unreservedly.”
“Pilots and engineers are subjected under duress to sign new terms and conditions of employment or be fired. The scheme is to ultimately casualise pilots and engineers.
“The fundamental rights of workers to freely associate, organize, and collectively bargain has come under severe threat by many operators in our industry today. Operators like Air Peace, Azman, Max Air, Ibom Air have engaged in intimidation and harassment of staff who have chosen to exercise this constitutional right to join the union.”
Also, NAAPE is calling of the Federal Government to make available the promised palliative for the aviation industry.
“We call on Federal Government of Nigeria to speedily release the promised relief package for the airlines and other government agencies to further save jobs and businesses. We want to strongly advise that airline operators that insist on laying off workers should not enjoy the largesse.”
