November 08, (THEWILL) – Unions in the country’s aviation and Maritime sector have directed all workers consisting of both public and private sectors to withdraw their services from the Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri, Imo State from midnight of Wednesday.
The unions comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), National Association of Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employee (AUPCTRE) attributed their position to the bad treatment meted to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, and other members of the Labour union by thugs in Owerri, Imo State.
According to the statement issued, signed and released to the media, the unions said: “In compliance with the directive of the joint NEC session of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the above-named unions, being affiliates of NLC and TUC, hereby direct all aviation workers (both public and private) to withdraw all services to all Owerri flights (inwards and outwards) from any airport in Nigeria with effect from midnight of 08/11/2023 (today).”
The unions said this became necessary in view “of the escalation of the imbroglio created by the mayhem unleashed on workers by the Imo State Government of Hope Uzodimma and continued insensitivity of the Government over the matter.
“In addition, the person of Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, is hereby declared persona non grata at all airports in Nigeria until he purges himself of bestial tendencies. Our unions will make further efforts through our international affiliations to blacklist Hope Uzodimma worldwide.
“Furthermore, all aviation workers in Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, are hereby directed to stay at home, also with effect from midnight today (08/11/2023) as directed by NLC and TUC.
“Based on the above, the State Councils and all branches of the unions will meet today at 5pm in Lagos and Abuja to agree on modalities for carrying out the above directive. The meeting in Lagos will hold at the NUATE Secretariat, while that of Abuja will be at the General Aviation Terminal, (pilgrims’ terminal).
“By this notice, the airports’ managements, airlines operating into and out of Owerri, intending airport passengers into and out of Owerri, and the general public are hereby advised about this situation so as to be forewarned.”
Similarly, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) will commence a nationwide strike by midnight, Tuesday 14th November 2023.
The nationwide strike is coming on the backdrop of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, directing its affiliate Unions to embark on the immediate withdrawal of services and shutting down Imo State by all public and private sectors workers indefinitely by midnight of November 7, 2023.
This decision by the NLC and TUC is prompted by a series of infractions and encroachments on the rights of workers in Imo State and the distressing and appalling acts of violence and bloodshed inflicted upon the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and other Unions’ officials by the Imo State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, Imo State Command.
The joint communique signed by Comrade (Prince) Dr Adewale Adeyanju, President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), who doubles as Deputy President of NLC, and Comrade Festus Osifo, President of TUC, further directs that in the event that Labours’ demands are unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by midnight of Tuesday, the 14th of November, 2023.
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria is an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Its President-General, Comrade Adeyanju has directed that all members of the Union should comply with the jointly signed communique to commence immediate and total mobilisation to ensure MWUN participation in the nationwide strike on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, is complied with indefinitely.
About the Author
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
