The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by aviation workers, insisting that no employer has the right to prevent workers from exercising their freedom to unionise.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, stated this on Tuesday at a briefing on the state of the nation in Abuja, where he declared the Congress’s full support for the aviation workers’ action.
Osifo warned that the TUC would resist any attempt by employers to victimise workers for joining trade unions or exercising their legitimate labour rights.
The Congress also called on the Federal Government to sustain its economic policies while urgently tackling insecurity to enable farmers to return to their farms and improve food production and supply.
According to the TUC, although there are indications of some stabilisation in the microeconomy, the macroeconomic situation remains a major concern.
Osifo also said the naira remained undervalued, with significant implications for the cost of living and the purchasing power of Nigerians.
On security, the TUC said the time had come for the implementation of state police, urging the National Assembly to fast-track the necessary legislation.
The Congress also advocated greater use of technology to strengthen security operations and improve the government’s response to insecurity across the country.
TUC Opposes Sale of Refineries
On the energy sector, the TUC opposed the outright sale of government-owned refineries, arguing that the Federal Government should retain its equity in the facilities and ensure they are properly managed.
The Congress also raised concerns about the remittance of the five per cent statutory charge and workers’ welfare.
However, it commended the Federal Government for the recent salary increase approved for military personnel.
The TUC said it would continue to engage with the Federal Government until concrete measures were taken to address economic hardship, insecurity and issues affecting workers’ welfare.
Aviation Strike Grounds Flights
The TUC’s position came as passengers were stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday following an industrial action involving aviation workers.
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the TUC disrupted flight operations in protest against unresolved demands involving domestic airlines.
The action grounded several scheduled flights and was linked to the unions’ demands concerning workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.
Reacting to the disruption, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to suspend the action and exercise restraint pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has been working to resolve the dispute.
The NCAA said it remained committed to ensuring aviation safety and urged all parties to embrace dialogue to resolve the issues and restore normal flight operations.
