Four major aviation unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, warning that workers will withdraw their services if the long-delayed review of staff conditions of service is not concluded.
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 their position known in a joint statement released on Saturday.
They accused the NCAT management of what they described as “continued indecision, unseriousness and lack of commitment” to staff welfare, despite several meetings and assurances over the years.
The unions expressed anger that the NCAT remains the only major aviation institution yet to finalise a revised conditions of service, even as other agencies in the sector have moved ahead.
They referenced the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, which recently announced the approval of its reviewed conditions of service, noting that workers in agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority currently enjoy better welfare packages than the NCAT staff.
The statement noted that NCAT workers have repeatedly exercised patience in the interest of institutional stability, but management has failed to reciprocate.
“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,” the unions said.
They added that despite what they described as management’s “discourteous disposition” toward union officials, workers had remained committed to the growth of the institution because of its strategic role in 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 statement read.
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However, the unions said it had become clear that management was merely paying lip service to staff welfare, stressing that the situation was no longer acceptable.
They warned that failure to conclude the review within 14 days would result in an immediate shutdown of activities at the college.
“If management fails to conclude this review of conditions of service within 14 days from now, our unions shall have no alternative than to direct our members to withdraw their services forthwith. Enough is enough,” the unions declared.
When contacted, the NCAT spokesperson Jude Amadi said he was not immediately aware of the ultimatum but promised to confirm the development and respond.
“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,” he said.
