In a statement emailed by its Spokesperson Banji Ola and
titled, ‘Arik Air dismisses some pilots for illegal strike,’ the airline blamed
the affected pilots for embarking on a strike action without recourse to
laid-down procedures.
We learnt that the affected pilots refused to work on
Tuesday after efforts to sort welfare issues with the company’s Receiver
Manager Kamilu Omokide failed.
It also stressed that the this was not the right moment to
strike, noting it was a festive season.
The statement read in part, “The management of Arik Air (In
Receivership) on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 dismissed several of its pilots for
gross acts of indiscipline. The affected pilots were dismissed for embarking on
a strike action without recourse to lay down procedures.
“The pilots did not serve a strike notice in accordance with
labour laws. They neither submitted any issue of dispute to the National
Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), their umbrella union, nor
did they submit any statement of demands to the management of the company.
There were also no ongoing discussions between the management and the pilots on
any unresolved labour issues. Their actions were spontaneous and callous.
“Arik Air finds it rather treacherous of the pilots to
contemplate a strike action at this Yuletide season which is the peak period
for airlines all over the world. They peddle for naught the reputation and
financial health of the company.
“It is instructive to note that the management of the
airline has of late had very fruitful discussions with relevant aviation unions
including the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), on
conditions of service for all employees. This has led to the signing of a
robust condition of service and redundancy benefits for staff.”
The airline also lamented that the impact of the strike
action led to the cancellation of the flights which caused discomfort to its
customers, promising to minimise the inconveniences caused.
Ola who spoke to The ICIR on Thursday morning on the
telephone declined to reveal the number of pilots affected.
“That is the way we want it,” he responded.
Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of NAAPE Francis Igwe
promised to get back to our correspondent regarding the matter.
Around this time last year, the airline sacked 300 workers.
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