Communication gap has been identified as a major cause of labour disputes in the aviation sector, according to the Secretary of the Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum, Nnadi Hector.
He explained that constant engagement between labour and management, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has helped to resolve several issues, including those involving the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
“Our welfare as union leaders is unending. So, as they come, if you have a proactive minister like ours,” he said.
Hector explained that the unions and management have “found a common ground, but we are still talking. There are other things.”
He noted that some of the issues, including those concerning the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, are at various stages of resolution.
“Even the NiMet thing is still ongoing. Some have been addressed; some are still pending,” he said.
Hector stressed that poor communication is usually the root cause of labour disputes in the aviation sector.
“But the issue is that the challenge between labour and management is when there is that communication gap. But once the authority, as the case may be here, maybe the minister or whoever, keeps engaging these people, you will find that there will be fewer problems. Because if everything is brought to the table and you see it as it is, that efforts are being made and this is where we are now,” he explained.
He also dispelled the notion that union leaders enjoy going on strike or protesting.
“Who wants to be fighting? You think the union leaders will enjoy what they are doing every time they are on the road. So, I think that’s what the minister is doing. And that is why you see most of these; none of them have come to fruition,” he said.
According to him, regular meetings have helped all parties remain focused on solutions.
“We are meeting periodically, every time. He will say, ‘Look, like that of NiMet.’ In fact, we met along with NAMA people at that NiMet. And he is always presiding over the meetings. He will tell you, ‘These are the things we have done.’ Even some of the union leaders are involved in the committee,” Hector said.
He added that both unions and management are committed to progress.
“And everybody is bent on solving it, so we move. So, unions are not troublemakers. Neither is the management,” he clarified.
Hector further noted that while some matters are beyond the minister’s immediate authority, efforts are ongoing to address them.
“There are some that are within his ambit, some are beyond him, but he is also putting efforts to ensure that those beyond him are also being solved. So that’s where we are now,” he concluded.
