Arik boss seeks Sirika’s intervention over looming strike
Arik Air management has asked the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to intervene over the planned industrial action by aviation unions scheduled to commence on Monday.
Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, the Chief Executive Officer of Arik made the appeal in a letter written to the minister entitled: “Re-Unions in Arik Air threaten to down tools September 14th”.
Earlier, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) on Thursday threatened to call Arik Air workers out on a strike on Monday, over alleged non-payment of staff salaries since April after placing 90 per cent of the workforce on compulsory leave.
Ilegbodu appealed to the minister to intervene in seeking for the understanding and cooperation of the workers’ unions.
“We remain committed to protecting the airline and assure our stakeholders of a safe and conducive working environment.
“We shall also protect the interest of the flying public for a safe, friendly and on time travelling experience,” he said.
He worried that the threat of a strike was coming without an exhaustive use of the various channels of engagement, discussion, consensus and understanding which he described as faulty.
According to him, the planned strike by the unions was unlikely to yield the best outcomes for staff, the company and its faithful passengers.
