Four major aviation unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, warning that failure to conclude the long-delayed review of staff Conditions of Service will result in a total withdrawal of services across the institution.

The unions — Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers — made this known in a joint statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

In the statement, the unions said they were acting out of “grave concern and indignation” over what they described as management’s continued indecision and lack of seriousness regarding staff welfare and industrial harmony.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, one of the country’s aviation agencies, on Tuesday announced the approval of its revised Conditions of Service following a comprehensive review.

Staff of NCAT have at different times complained that workers in other aviation agencies, such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, enjoy better welfare packages than they do.

According to the statement, NCAT management has repeatedly failed to conclude the review of the institution’s Conditions of Service despite several engagements, meetings, and assurances given to staff unions over time.

The unions lamented that while they had remained patient and cooperative in the interest of institutional stability, management had not shown the same level of commitment.

The statement reads, “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.

“It is on record that, notwithstanding management’s flagrant disregard and discourteous disposition to principal officers of our union and indeed our branch officers, we have remained steadfast and focused on the growth of the College.”

They emphasized that their restraint was borne out of their belief in NCAT’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“Given its status as the centre of aviation excellence in Nigeria, we have consistently supported management as partners in progress,” the unions added.

However, they said it had now become clear that management was merely paying “lip service” to staff welfare.

The statement continues, “It has become obvious 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 unions accused NCAT of being the only agency in the aviation sector yet to conclude its Conditions of Service review, describing the situation as unacceptable.

They warned that if the review is not finalised within 14 days from the date of the notice, workers would down tools.

“Since the College has chosen to remain the only agency within the sector that has refused to conclude its Conditions of Service till this time, we hereby give notice.

“If management fails to conclude this review of Conditions of Service within fourteen (14) days from now, our unions shall have no alternative than to direct our members to withdraw their services forthwith. Enough is enough!”

Despite their stance, the unions maintained that they remain committed to the success of the institution.

Contacted, NCAT spokesperson Jude Amadi said he was not aware of the ultimatum but promised to confirm and revert to our correspondent.

He said, “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.”

As at press time, the NCAT publicist had yet to respond to our correspondent. (The PUNCH)

Update news