November 26, (THEWILL) – Given the consequential impact of climate change on society, especially aviation, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has appealed to the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to urgently set up a Climate Change Committee for the aviation industry.
According to NAAPE, the committee would serve as a platform where relevant stakeholders and Union representatives shall come up with industrial mitigation strategies.
The appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the end of the 2024 National Executive Council Meeting/Symposium of NAAPE, held on the 6th of October, 2024, at Kenem Suites, Abuja.
At the NEC meeting with the theme: “The Imperative of Unionism In A Struggling Economy”, chaired by the Director General, CAA, Capt Chris Najomo, NAAPE also acknowledged the enormous impact posed by Climate Change on aviation jobs.
The NEC, therefore, demanded that the government set the machinery in motion to amend the Climate Change Act to include representatives of workers (Unions) and Employers organisation in the Governing Structures of the National Council on Climate Change.
The NEC also demanded that social dialogue on Climate Change and Environmental sustainability finds very clear and unambiguous mandates in their Collective Bargaining Agreements.
While condoling with the families, colleagues and associates of all victims of the ill-fated Helicopter crash of 24th October 2024, the union is also seeking that NAAPE be given participatory right as observer in the ongoing official investigation into the cause of this unfortunate occurrence.
The NEC commended the search and rescue efforts by the relevant organisations thus far, just as they called on the government for investment in critical infrastructure for search and rescue in the country in order to optimise their performance with the view to mitigate loss of lives and properties in the event of an accident or emergency.
“NEC calls for thorough investigation into the circumstances of this accident with the view to preventing the reoccurrence in the future.
“NEC call on the Federal Government to support the lead agency (NSIB), with the necessary tools and funding, in order to reach a timely conclusion, giving the intricate nature and the international interest that this occurrence has generated.
“In order to mitigate the avoidable loss of lives and enhance safety in the event of aircraft ditching, NEC demands that NCAA enforce the strict use of life jackets fitted with oxygen and emergency breathing system (EBS). Also, to ensure that other emergency equipment e.g flotation system are at all times serviceable.
“As a matter of utmost necessity and importance, NEC request that the NCAA mandates all airline operators to incorporate the “Rights Frame of Mind” policy in their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
“In line with the economic reality of the country and considering the critical role aviation plays in the nation’s economy, NEC appeals to all employers of labour (Government and airlines) to provide better conditions of service to their employees”, the communique stated.
They, also, called on the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to intervene and ensure that the Management of DANA Air Ltd. urgently settles all outstanding salaries, allowances and other pending financial obligations being owed its members since April 2024.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
