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Thu, Mar

Sack Of 300 Arik Air Staff: FG Wades In To Save The Jobs

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The Federal government has disclosed that the over 300 Arik Air staff who were on the brink of losing their jobs have been saved through the intervention of government. The Government added that the hike in over 100% in domestic air tickets was one of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic that was inevitable.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Musa Nuhu made this known in Abuja during a briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

Nuhu said, “As regards ticket prices, yes ticket prices have gone up astronomically over the last week or so. That is one of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aviation, tourism and travel industry is one of the most devastating industries.

“Because we had a shutdown for several months, the airlines were not making money and there is a fixed cost that they have to deal with. “They have to maintain the aircraft and unfortunately most of these aircraft are maintained outside the country” Nuhu added.

According to the DG NCAA, as operations were shut down, airlines were finding it difficult to get outside the country with their aircraft and coupled with the increase in the exchange rate; the carriers need to make enough money.

However, the issue of the 300 Arik Staff that was pencilled for sacking, the NCAA waded into their matter to save the situation.

He said that yes, there were issues of redundancy on the ground, but you cannot blame the workers for that as everywhere was locked down, however, he said the authorities have saved the situation and their jobs are now intact.

Mr Nuhu explained that “We spoke with both the management and labour unions and they have agreed to go back to the discussion table.

“The last report I received, they have made significant progress in closing that gaps. We hope they conclude and nobody is sacked.”

Meanwhile, regarding the bailout matter for the airlines, he revealed the Federal Ministry of Aviation are under the directive of the minister of Aviation and would be sorted out.

 

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