Workers under the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have given the management a 21-day ultimatum to address all welfare issues bordering on conditions of service, promotions and other benefits, failure which they will embark on industrial action.
In a petition signed by Olayinka Abioye, secretary of ATSSSAN, to the managing director of FAAN, George Ureisi, and copied to ministers of labour and productivity and aviation, the workers said the management of FAAN has failed to meet up with its obligations in the issue of staff welfare.
In a swift reaction, however, Yakubu Dati, spokesman of the authority, noted that the issue is being resolved in line with the transformational agenda, adding that there had been cordial relationship between the authority and the union.
According to the petition dated May 22, Abioye said the union can no longer fold its arms and “allow the perpetuation of anti-worker policies, fragrant de-motivation and violations of the staff rights and privileges to maximum benefits in their career growth, through promotions, recognitions of exemplary conduct and performance with cognate experience”.
The union gave the FAAN management a 21-day ultimatum to place on the front burner and proffer solutions to the issue of outstanding promotions of some categories of personnel since 2010 without receiving letters of promotion, decrying a situation where those who have served the industry meritoriously over the years will have their career progression dislocated over political patronage.
SADE WILLIAMS
