…..declares showdown
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) is set for a decisive confrontation with Caverton Helicopters, accusing the management of a fundamental disregard for the well-being of their pilots and engineers.
Speaking at the NAAPE Secretariat in Ikeja, Comrade Olayinka Aboiye, the General Secretary, criticized Caverton’s handling of labor and administrative matters, citing non-implementation of agreements and delayed salary payments, with workers being held to an outdated dollar rate of N750.
Mr. Aboiye expressed concern over unpaid salaries for December, January, and February, highlighting a breach of the agreed-upon dollar exchange rate.
He emphasized the irony that while Shell pays Caverton for the services of attached pilots and engineers during non-operational periods, the company fails to disburse these funds to its employees.
Accusing Caverton of evading taxes for the past five years, Aboiye labeled this practice as criminal.
He further claimed that deducted taxes from NAAPE members were not remitted during this period.
The General Secretary also accused Caverton of withholding contributions to the pension scheme, asserting that the company had misappropriated these funds without fulfilling their counterpart funding obligation.
Aboiye noted that some workers declared redundant were still awaiting their entitled payments, emphasizing the need for adherence to conditions for staff redundancy.
The Association granted Caverton a three-day window to address these issues, warning of impending labor unrest if full entitlements were not settled by Wednesday.
Despite multiple meetings and ultimatums, Aboiye emphasized the Association’s commitment to holding companies accountable for complying with laws and regulations while acknowledging the commendable establishment of Caverton.
However, he underscored the imperative for companies to operate within the legal framework of the country.
