The Workers’ Rights CAMPAIGN (WRC) commends aviation workers and their unions for a successful strike demanding respect for organizing and union membership rights. The strike on Tuesday, 11 August, shut down major airlines and was suspended after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) intervened as mediator.
Airlines have tried to discredit the unions, and some broadcasters have called for a ban on strikes, citing security concerns. However, the airlines are solely responsible for the strike and disruptions. They have rebuffed all earlier efforts of the unions to organise workers. They even shunned a meeting called by the NCAA last week to reach a peaceful solution.
Only two out of over a dozen Nigerian airlines allow unions, violating workers’ rights under Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The rights to organize and collective bargain are protected by ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which Nigeria has ratified, and constitute elements of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW).
Unions have long tried to organize in all airlines but face union-busting tactics, while airline operators themselves are organized as the Airline Operators of Nigeria, which is hypocritical.
We reject Air Peace’s claim that employees chose not to join unions; management has discouraged union membership by threatening dismissal. This is a classic union-busting tactic.
We urge the NCAA to require airlines to respect union organizing and membership rights. Unions should accept nothing less. We salute the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for supporting the strike and call on the Nigerian Labour Congress to do the same to achieve full unionization of aviation workers.
Onward forward to victory!
Kelvin AYEMHENRE
Deputy Chairperson, WRC
Bàbá Ayé
Secretary, WRC
