The management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, has been given a 14-day ultimatum by four major aviation unions, threatening to completely withdraw services from the university if the long-delayed review of staff conditions of service is not completed. In a joint statement provided to journalists on Saturday, the unions—Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers—disclosed this.
The unions said in the statement that they were acting out of "grave concern and indignation" about management's alleged lack of commitment to worker welfare and industrial peace, as well as their ongoing uncertainty. Recall that after a thorough assessment, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, one of the nation's aviation agencies, said on Tuesday that its updated Conditions of Service were approved.
Workers at other aviation organizations, like the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, have occasionally complained that their welfare packages are inferior to those of NCAT employees.
The statement claims that despite several meetings, engagements, and promises made to staff unions over the years, NCAT management has consistently failed to complete the review of the organization's Conditions of Service.
The unions bemoaned the lack of commitment from management, despite their continued patience and cooperation for institutional stability.
"We have noted with grave concern and indignation management's continued act of indecision and unseriousness regarding matters bordering on staff well-being and the promotion of industrial harmony within the College," the statement said.
"It is documented that we have remained unwavering and focused on the expansion of the College despite management's blatant disregard and rude behavior toward our union's principal officers and even our branch officers."
They made it clear that their caution stemmed from their conviction that NCAT was strategically significant to Nigeria's aviation industry. The unions continued, "We have continuously supported management as partners in progress, given its status as the center of aviation excellence in Nigeria."
But they claimed that it was now evident that management was only doing "lip service" to employee welfare. "It has become evident that management has been paying lip service to improving the conditions of employment of our members, as evidenced by its latest action or inaction," the statement goes on.
The unions deemed the situation intolerable and accused NCAT of being the only organization in the aviation industry that hadn't finished its Conditions of Service assessment. They threatened to go on strike if the review was not completed within 14 days of the notice date.
We hereby give notice that the College has decided to continue as the sole organization in the industry that has not yet finalized its Conditions of Service.
"Our unions will have no choice but to order our members to immediately stop working if management does not complete this review of Conditions of Service within fourteen (14) days. "Enough is enough!" The unions stated that they are still dedicated to the institution's success in spite of their position.
When contacted, NCAT spokesperson Jude Amadi stated he was unaware of the ultimatum but pledged to check and get back to our correspondent. "I'm not aware of the move, but now that I have been informed, I will speak with our union members and get back to you," he stated.
The NCAT publicist has not yet replied to our correspondent as of the time of publication.