AON Refuses To Join Labour Strike , As 4 Unions Set To Shutdown Aviation Sector

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has said it would have no part to play in the Organised Labour  proposed nationwide strike planned for Monday, to press for the reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariff and petrol pump price.

In a statement signed by the President, Dr. Abdulmunaf Yunusa and released on Sunday evening, he said it will be very insensitive to go on a strike, noting that industry just opened the airspace after suffering huge losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic for three months.

The President who also doubles as the Founder of Azman Air asked the leaders of the various Labour Unions to seek dialogue instead.

Part of the statement read, “Aviation workers need to work to sustain their livelihoods and support their families especially at this crucial time when schools are resuming around the country and they need all the financial support they can muster to survive.

“While we totally understand the concerns of Labour of the need to make Government see reason with and identify with the challenges being faced currently by the masses and recently worsened by the ripple effects from the sudden increase in fuel price and electricity tariff, we call on the leaders of the various Labour Unions to continue to dialogue with government to find a middle ground that will be a win-win situation for all parties.

“It is not in the interest of Aviation Workers to be asked to go back home indefinitely once again after barely resuming operations very recently and the airlines are still trying to recover from the lockdown and making concerted efforts to survive and secure the jobs and livelihood of its workers.”

Meanwhile, Four aviation unions have on Friday backed the Organised Labour in the strike action.

The four aviation unions joining the strike are the National Union of Air Transport Employees, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals.

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