AVIATION UNIONS THREATEN TO STRIKE

Nigeria’s aviation unions threatened to begin a strike on 12 October 2009 to protest the federal government’s handover of the General Aviation Termina at Lagos’ Murtala Mohammed International Airport to a private company. The unions -- including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Union of Air Transport Employees, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congresswarned that the strike will shut down Nigerian airspace for the duration of the strike action. However, reports indicate that the strike may not occur, as some unions, including air traffic controllers, have stated that they are unaware of the strike and therefore will not participate. The possible strike comes after a similar threat on 23 September over the same issue. Despite small-scale disruptions at the Lagos airport on 23 September, all domestic and international flights operated on schedule.