Labour warns airlines against stopping workers’ union

The Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum has warned airline operators in Nigeria to halt their refusal to allow workers to unionise, threatening that their stand may lead to a significant face-off.

Union leaders said the matter has been reported to the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. They said it is out of respect for the minister that the adamant airlines have not witnessed workers’ wrath.

The unionists took turns venting their anger during the 2nd edition of the Annual Strategic Aviation Trade Union Leadership Conference with the theme: “Synergy for Safety and Production Management – Labour Collaboration” held in Lagos on Thursday.

The unions collectively criticised airlines for denying their workers freedom of association, despite being allowed under the constitution.

Speaking at the event, the National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria who also doubles as the Chairman of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions’ Forum, Ahmadu Ilitrus, emphasized that it is the right of a worker to join a union adding that they will not rest until “ workers rights are allowed and protected to the fullest.”

He further added that the matter has been reported to both the aviation minister and his Labour counterpart.

He said, “This is something that has been going on for some time now, a reasonable number of the airlines have allowed their workers to join the unions while the majority of them have refused. That is not right, it is not something that should be at the behest of the employers, it is the right of the employees to join unions and the rights of the unions to organise.

“But we have taken our case to the Minister for Aviation and the Minister of Labour and we have been asked to allow the two entities to meet on the matter but if nothing is done, we shall meet as unions and strategize on our next line of action.”

Also expressing his displeasure on the matter, the National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, Alale Adedayo, rebuked the airlines for hindering the workers from unionising describing their attitude as an act of enslaving Nigerian workers.

Adedayo recalled that the workers have the power both under the constitution of Nigeria and in the industrial laws to be part of any union or association they deem fit.

He stated, “It won’t be helpful when a worker begins to work for an organisation out of fear and such can also hinder the forward movement of the organisation aside from the constitution, even industrial laws allow for the freedom of association but because of the interior motives of these airlines they are trying to debar workers from unionising. We won’t agree and we have rejected that in its totality.

“Several times we have met them and we have spoken on this matter but all to no avail. For instance, Turkish Airlines just came into our country and decided to enslave our people, a behaviour they will never accept in their country, now is the time to stop all these attitudes by airline operators.

“We have written to the Honourable minister on the matter and he has promised to meet airline operators to resolve the matter but should they refuse, our next line of action will be made public.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in his goodwill message, hailed the forum for promoting collaboration within the industry.

Keyamo, who was represented by the Director of Special Duties at the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Henry Agbebire, acknowledged the vital role played by aviation unions in maintaining workforce morale, advocating for best practices, and ensuring smooth operations across the sector.

Agbebire added that the conference provides a valuable opportunity to explore innovative solutions, deepen collaboration, and chart a course for greater synergy.

“I am committed to strengthening our collaboration with aviation unions. Our collective efforts have already yielded positive outcomes, and I am proud of the constructive relationships we have built so far.

“I commend the organisers for their foresight and dedication in hosting this important event and I assure you of my continued support as we work together to advance the ideals of safety, productivity, and sustainability in Nigeria’s aviation sector.”