Aviation Unions Threaten Showdown With Arik Air

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Arik Air to face operational challenges as labour unions threaten showdown

As local and international airlines begin operation in Nigeria after months of lockdown, one of Nigeria’s foremost airlines may have its operations disrupted in the coming days.

Arik Air, one Nigeria’s biggest airlines, may be locked in another labour crisis as travel arrangements begin in Nigerian airports.

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The labour unions in the aviation sector have again threatened to shut down the operations of Arik Air on Monday.

The union said its decision was necessitated by the airline’s management’s failure to resolve issues regarding its conditions of service as well as the unjust treatment of its workers during the pandemic.

On Saturday, the two aggrieved unions – the National Union of Air Transport Employees and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria – vowed to withdraw their services on September 14, according to a statement.

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The statement, titled ‘Notice of withdrawal of service’, was signed by NUATE General Secretary, Ocheme Aba and ATSSSAN Deputy General Secretary, Frances Akinjole.

The workers had shelved a strike action scheduled for August 17 to allow for further dialogue at the instance of the Minister of Labour and employment.

Arik Air has a long history of incessant clashes with labour unions.

The airline has always been picketed over alleged violations of sundry labour regulations.