Arik Air sacks pilots for embarking on strike

Abiola Seun

Arik Air on Tuesday sacked several of its Pilots for allegedly embarking on strike action without recourse to laid down procedures and rules.

The Pilots were said not to have served a strike notice in accordance with labour laws, saying 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.

The airline said there were also no ongoing discussions between the management and the pilots on any unresolved labour issues, describing their actions as spontaneous and callous.

Arik Air described the the pilots as treacherous to have contemplated 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.

While great efforts have been made to minimize the impact of the strike action, some fully booked flights have had to be canceled.

Arik Air said it regretted the inconvenience caused by this action and was doing everything in its powers to minimize the impact and discomfort to its esteemed customers.