The National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, says unremitted Ticket Sale Charges of about N25 billion are hampering the operations and welfare of aviation agencies.
Yusuf said the failure of airline operators to remit the charges had deprived the agencies of revenue needed to meet their operational responsibilities, running costs and workers’ welfare.
The withheld funds, estimated at about N25 billion, posed a threat to the sustainability of aviation agencies. “So how do you want the industry to be sustainable? How do you want workers’ welfare in these agencies to survive?” he asked.
Yusuf said the agencies relied on the funds to provide adequate services, meet operational expenses and cater to the welfare of their employees.
He also said the recent industrial action by aviation unions was suspended following discussions aimed at resolving issues affecting workers and airline operators.
The action, involving NUATE and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, disrupted flight operations, with the unions shutting terminal entrances at some airports and causing affected airlines to cancel flights before the action was suspended.
The dispute was also prompted by the alleged refusal of Air Peace to allow its employees to unionize. The unions’ position was based on workers’ rights, freedom of association and the need for collective representation. “By Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, it gives the right to freedom of association,” he said.
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According to Yusuf, airline operators had formed a platform to protect their collective interests, and workers should equally be allowed to organize.
He reiterated that the union’s position was driven by concerns over workers’ rights and the proper remittance of aviation-sector proceeds.
Najomo said the NCAA was concerned about the impact of the industrial action on passengers and other aviation stakeholders.
They therefore reassured the travelling public that flight safety remained uncompromized and that it continued to discharge its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
The authority also urged all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations.
Similarly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, assured passengers that airport operations would continue despite the industrial action.
NAN
