NUATE warns AON over strike threats, demands talks on 5% fund

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has warned the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) against inflammatory statements over the proposed industrial action in the aviation sector, urging operators to engage unions and the Federal Government to resolve the dispute over the 5 per cent statutory fund.

The General Secretary of NUATE, Comrade Paul Igene, gave the warning in an exclusive interview with The Daily Times in Lagos on Sunday, saying continued confrontation between airline operators and aviation unions could undermine industrial peace and stability in the sector.

Igene accused some airline operators of rejecting meetings convened by the Federal Government to resolve the dispute over the alleged non-remittance of the 5 per cent charge to relevant aviation agencies.

He said the refusal by operators to participate in government-led discussions raised questions about their commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue.

According to him, the aviation unions would not tolerate any development capable of undermining industrial harmony in the sector.

The NUATE scribe also called on heads of aviation agencies to reconsider their dealings with AON, alleging that some airline operators had failed to allow their employees to belong to unions of their choice.

He questioned the position of AON as an employers’ association while, according to him, some of its members allegedly prevent workers from exercising their right to freedom of association.

Igene linked the alleged denial of workers’ union rights to poor remuneration and welfare conditions in parts of the aviation industry, warning that such practices could have implications for aviation safety.

He said poorly paid workers who are unable to collectively negotiate better working conditions could face difficulties advocating for improved welfare and professional conditions.

The NUATE general secretary stressed that aviation workers are highly trained professionals whose welfare should be treated as an integral component of aviation safety.

He urged airline operators to invest more in staff training and provide better remuneration and welfare packages for their employees.

Igene said the unions remained committed to resolving the current dispute but warned that failure to reach an agreement could trigger the industrial action already planned by the unions for this week.

The dispute centres on the 5 per cent Ticket, Charter and Cargo Sales Charge, which airlines are required to remit to relevant aviation agencies.

The AON has argued that the percentage-based charge has become an increasing burden on domestic airlines amid rising operating costs, particularly aviation fuel prices, and has called for a review of the funding structure.

The association has proposed replacing the percentage-based charge with a structure similar to the Passenger Service Charge operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, arguing that a fixed charge would provide a more equitable and sustainable funding mechanism.

The dispute has heightened concerns over the possibility of disruptions to air transport operations if negotiations between the Federal Government, airline operators and aviation unions fail to produce a settlement.

NUATE, however, maintained that dialogue remained the preferred route to resolving the disagreement, even as it warned that the unions were prepared to proceed with their planned actions if no truce was reached.