Osifo says no employer can stop workers from joining unions as labour demands dialogue on aviation dispute.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has backed the ongoing industrial action by aviation workers, warning employers against victimising workers for exercising their right to unionise.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, stated this on Tuesday during a briefing on the state of the nation in Abuja, where he declared the Congress’ full support for the aviation workers’ action.
Osifo said no employer had the right to prevent workers from joining trade unions, stressing that the TUC would resist any attempt to intimidate or punish workers over union membership.
The position comes amid an industrial dispute involving the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the TUC, which disrupted flight operations at airports in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday.
The unions are protesting issues including workers’ unionisation and the remittance of statutory charges by domestic airlines to the aviation regulator, leaving several passengers stranded.
Reacting to the disruption, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to suspend the action and embrace dialogue pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who is working to resolve the dispute.
On the economy, the TUC called on the Federal Government to sustain its economic policies while urgently addressing insecurity to enable farmers return to their farms and improve food production.
Osifo said while the microeconomy was showing signs of stabilisation, concerns remained over the macroeconomy and the value of the naira, which he described as undervalued.
The Congress also renewed its call for the implementation of state police, urging the National Assembly to fast-track the necessary legislation.
It further advocated greater use of technology in tackling insecurity and opposed the outright sale of government-owned refineries, calling instead for proper management and retention of government equity in the facilities.
The TUC also raised concerns over the five per cent charge and workers’ welfare, while commending the Federal Government for approving salary increases for military personnel.
The Congress said it would continue engaging the government on measures to address economic hardship, insecurity and other concerns affecting Nigerian workers.