The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Ben Nnabue says, the union is deeply concern over Turkish Airlines’ persistent efforts to undermine the union’s presence in the airline.
In a strongly-worded statement in commemoration of Worker’s Day 2024, Comrade Nnabue accused Turkish Airlines of sacking union members under false pretenses and replace them with new employees who would not join the union.
He warned that the airline’s intentions would meet with “colossal failure” as the union would not hesitate to take action to restore the dignity of its victimized members.
“The Union has capacity to put the Airline in its place and restore the dignity of labour of our victimized members. That we must do. And that we shall do”.
Comrade Nnabue also drew attention to the union’s earlier strike notice over poor remuneration to private security personnel, which posed a significant security risk to airports.
He expressed hope that the new administration of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) led by its Acting Director General, Capt Chris Najomo would complete the process initiated by its predecessor to rectify the anomaly.
“It is our fervent hope that the new administration, led by the Ag. DG will prevent a relapse of the withdrawal of services notice by doing the needful to complete the earlier remedial actions being undertaken by his predecessor”.
The NUATE President extended gratitude to social partner organizations that have collaborated with the union, leading to peaceful industrial harmony and assured that the union would continue to seek solutions for the progress of organizations and their workers.
Comrade Nnabue also emphasized the union’s commitment to finding peaceful solutions to industrial relations issues through constructive dialogue.
“But, as is often said, only one hand cannot clap”.
However, he emphasized that this would require a willingness from all stakeholders to engage in open and fair discussions.
“We hope therefore, that all stakeholders will equally hold out their hearts to open and fair engagements as panacea for good industrial atmosphere in the aviation sector.”
