NATIONAL Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) seeks for federal government intervention to enable the airlines and the aviation agencies function, save jobs and pay salaries in its Worker’s Day message to members.
NAAPE President, Galadima Abednego in a statement released by his Public Relations Officer, Frank Igwe noted with dismay the impact of the COVID-19 virus in the country’s economic space stating that aviation is worse hit with a lot of apprehension and uncertainty going round.
Abednego said,” The aviation industry has been badly hit than most industries. For the record as today in Nigeria the local airlines have not flown for an average of thirty five days and still counting. This has threatened jobs and livelihood of our members in particular and colleagues in general. The pandemic have brought about business uncertainties and low investments. In all of this I call on you not to despair but to keep hope alive and with faith in God it shall pass.”
“In an attempt to contribute our quota we have joined hands with other sister aviation unions to seek federal government intervention to enable the airlines and the aviation agencies function, save jobs and pay salaries. I am confident that government will favorably consider our requests.
“For our members whose organization refused to pay salaries or paid part, we shall engage with such social partners to negotiate the best deal possible.
The NAAPE President sent out prayers to essential workers, families of workers who have experienced the loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and also hailed the sacrifice of front line workers who day-in, day-out contributing their quota to end the scourge.
He said,”This year’s workers’ day have came at a time when Corona virus is ravaging businesses, Jobs and causing several human deaths. My prayers and thoughts goes to frontline workers who lost their lives and to many families who lost loved ones.
“At the same time I want to salute the courage of our members in the frontlines who are contributing immensely in combating and containing the Covid-19 pandemic by offering essential services some was even arrested and humiliated may the Lord bless you all.