Disquiet Over Sack Of Six Arik Pilots ‘Who Went On Strike’

A fresh crisis has hit Arik Air as the airline has dismissed eight local pilots who recently participated in an industrial strike.

The management of the airline (In Receivership) confirmed that it dismissed several of the pilots for “gross acts of indiscipline.”

Their dismissal which was announced today took effect on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the management, 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.

“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.”

The airline insisted it has robust relations with the labour union and had recently signed a condition of service and redundancy benefits for staff.

“While great efforts have been made to minimize the impact of the illegal strike action, some fully booked flights have had to be cancelled. Arik Air regrets the inconvenience caused by this action and is doing everything in its powers to minimize the impact and discomfort to its esteemed customers.”

Daily Trust learnt that the local pilots had requested to meet with the Receiver Manager of the airline, Mr Kamilu Omokide to discuss issues that have to do with “safety concerns”.

After the failed attempt to meet him, the pilots issued a notice to embark on strike. According to the local pilots, prior notice was given “in order to avoid any flight disruption.”

The concerns raised by the unions include morale, remuneration and the current safety issues in existence.

The pilots however rejected their sack, saying, “As safety is our main priority, we write to assert our view that no member of staff should be fired for simply desiring to keep safety at the forefront of company operations.”

When contacted yesterday, spokesman of NAAPE, Igwe Francis Nwosu, called for more dialogue between the airline’s management and the sacked pilots in resolving the issue.

He, however, said NAAPE as an association was not carried along before embarking on the strike, adding that there is still room for further engagement.