Being inundated with reoccurring strikes, mostly embarked on by government agencies is a norm for many Nigerians who bear the brunt.
Every year, at least two or more unions, agencies, and institutions are either threatening to down tools or embark on industrial action over unresolved concerns.
Nigerian labour unions believe this practice is the only language the Nigerian government understands, as attempts at dialogue usually yield no result.
How effective have strikes been in forcing a seemingly adamant government to accede to the demands of labour unions?
What other options can labour explore aside from strike action?
A most recent case is the suspension of aviation activities by aviation workers calling for improved welfare conditions of staff members.
In an interview on Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire, Razak Animasaun, the Chairman, Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Port Harcourt International Airport Chapter, says aviation workers decided to embark on a two-day warning strike because issues raised in the past were unaddressed.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika had condemned the strike in an earlier statement, saying it was unnecessary, as essential service providers such as aviation should not be involved in a strike. He called for the issues to be resolved in-house.
Reacting to the Minister’s statement on the Morning Crossfire, the Rivers State Chairman, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Felix Ohwoefe said the strike is inevitable as issues preceding it have lingered for years while the government failed to address the situation.
Asked about the potency of strike as a tool in getting the government to proffer far-reaching solutions, Owhoefe disclosed that other unions under the aviation sector took part in the now-called off strike and its national body will not relent in its engagement with the federal government until the demands of the workers are met.
“It’s a continuous process...engagement must be on a daily basis,” he said expressing optimism.
See video:
