The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has declared its support for the ongoing industrial action by aviation workers, warning employers against interfering with workers’ right to belong to trade unions.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, made the position known on Tuesday at a press briefing on the state of the nation in Abuja, where he said the Congress would not tolerate any attempt to punish or victimise workers for exercising their constitutional right to unionise.
The aviation dispute has disrupted flight operations at major airports, with passengers reportedly stranded in Lagos and Abuja following the industrial action involving members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the TUC.
The unions are protesting unresolved issues involving the unionisation of workers in domestic airlines and the remittance of statutory charges to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Reacting to the wider economic situation, the TUC urged the Federal Government to sustain policies aimed at stabilising the economy while taking urgent steps to tackle insecurity.
Osifo stressed that improving security was critical to restoring farmers’ access to their farmlands and increasing food production, which he said would help address challenges in food supply.
According to the Congress, although some indicators suggested improvement at the microeconomic level, concerns remained over the broader macroeconomic situation. Osifo also expressed concern about the continued undervaluation of the naira and its impact on the cost of living.
On security reforms, the TUC renewed its call for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to accelerate consideration of the relevant legislation.
The Congress also advocated greater use of technology in the fight against insecurity, saying modern tools should be deployed to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
In the energy sector, the labour body rejected calls for the outright sale of government-owned refineries. Instead, it advocated proper management of the facilities while retaining government equity.
The TUC also raised concerns over the remittance of the five per cent charge and issues surrounding workers’ welfare.
However, the Congress commended the Federal Government for approving a salary increase for military personnel, describing improved remuneration as important to the welfare and motivation of security personnel.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has appealed to the aviation unions to suspend the industrial action and allow room for dialogue.
The aviation regulator urged the unions to exercise restraint pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who it said had been working to resolve the outstanding issues.
The TUC, however, maintained that it would continue engaging the Federal Government until tangible steps were taken to address economic hardship, insecurity and concerns affecting Nigerian workers.
