….says it’s disrupting airlift of pilgrimage – Group to Labour
By Musa Baba Adamu
The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) had appealed to the leadership of the Labour unions in the country to reconsider their decision to shut down of airport operations, saying the move has affected the ongoing airlift of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Association in a press release signed by its National President, Abdulateef Ekundayo Yusuf, said while it appreciated the reasons of the Labour to embark on strike, the action was ill-timed considering the ongoing airlift exercise.
It said except the Labour unions spared the airport operations in its quest, airlift operations would be affected and the very Nigerians that they were fighting for would be the ones to lose their investment.
It said: “ we understands the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Unlon Congress (TUC) to press for a better working condition for the Nigerian worker we as well feel the pains of all Nigerians at this trying period.
“However, we strongly feel the declaration and commencement of the nationwide strike action is ill-timed and unfavorable for Nigerian Muslim community.”
It said it had no doubt that the action would affect Nigerians Muslims negatively.
“We would like to call the attention of the Labour Congress to the impact of the strike on one of the most fundamental pillars of Islam which is Hajj which is followed by Eid kabir festival nationwide and the financial implications the strike will have on Muslims who have saved for years to be able to embark on this holy journey.”
It said apart from not being able to fulfill religious obligations, the attendant financial loss was better imagined than felt.
“Additionally, the financial loss to our members will run into Billions of naira having completed all necessary arrangements of accommodation, transportation, feeding in both Mecca and Madinah,including issued tickets and visas for thousands of people (of which payments are non-refundable) who will be affected by disruption of both local and international flights operations.
“We hereby call on the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to please re-consider their stand on the timing of the strike action in the interest of Nigerian Muslims who form majority of their membership the strike until after Hajj to avert huge financial loss that will be borne by average Nigerian.
“We trust our plea will meet favourable consideration from the leadership of the two Unions as they are sensitive to our religious diversity. “
