Labour minister intervenes in NAMA - NATCA trade dispute...issues communique

       

            On being informed of the intention of the Nigerian Aviation Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to withdraw services starting from 4.00 pm on February 27, 2015, a conciliatory meeting was promptly held by the Honourable Supervising Minister of Labour & Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, FCIArb on the same day.

2.         During the meeting, the overview of the issues in dispute from the perspectives of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)/NATCA and the Management of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were noted respectively.

3.         Subsequently, the issues covered by the Communiqué signed at the end of the meeting between NAMA Management, ATSSSAN and NATCA Executives on January 18, 2015 were discussed seriatim.

4.         The meeting noted that items nos. 4, 5, 7, and 8 on the communiqué were statements of facts and were therefore adopted accordingly.

5.         The meeting resolved as follows on the other issues:

a)     Advancement of recently licensed Air Traffic Controllers

The matter is ongoing and the distribution of the letters conveying approval for advancement should be concluded in a week.

b)     Promotion of NAMA Staff

The process should be completed and forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Aviation in two weeks time.

c)     Air Traffic Controllers Salary Structure

The request by NATCA and the Report of Dr. Grace Ankeli had been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Aviation by NAMA and will be acted upon by the Permanent Secretary by Monday, March 2, 2015.

d)     Re-designation of the Directorate of Operation as Directorate of Air Traffic Management

NAMA had forwarded the demand of NATCA to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and the members of the Association will be carried along during the process.

e)     On the sponsored World Bank Training

NAMA is to pay the differentials in the Course allowance to eligible staff who attended the training in accordance with extant Public Service Rules as well as NAMA Conditions of Service and present evidence of payment at the next meeting in the Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity.

f)      On items 10, 11, 12, and 13

                    i.            It was resolved that based on NAMA income and expenditure profile, and in compliance with requisite due process, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation will package proposal on the issues of allowances payable to Air Traffic Controllers as agreed, and forward same to the Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission for necessary action.

                  ii.            Furthermore, it was agreed that the proposal should be immediately acknowledged by the NSIWC as part of the resolutions of this meeting. It was further noted that the NSIWC will complete the process of forwarding the proposals to Government within two (2) weeks for further necessary action.

6.         The above Conclusions shall be monitored by the FML&P, and a meeting to assess progress on the issues shall be convened in the next four (4) weeks.

7.         Based on the above conclusions, the leadership of NATCA agreed to brief their members on the outcome of the meeting and communicate to the Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity within 48hrs with a view to suspending the intended withdrawal of services.

Federal Ministry of Labour & Productivity

February 28, 2015