The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has commended the management of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) for implementing a 40 per cent salary increase for employees, describing the move as a significant step towards improving staff welfare and boosting workforce morale.
The commendation was given by the National President of ATSSSAN, Comrade John Ogala Ogbe, during a courtesy visit by the union’s newly elected executives to the management of SAHCO.
While applauding the salary adjustment, Ogbe urged the company to commence the implementation of long-service awards for eligible employees in line with the provisions of its conditions of service. He also called for greater inclusion of women in outstation training programmes whenever such opportunities arise, noting the importance of promoting gender balance in professional development.
The ATSSSAN president emphasised the union’s commitment to constructive engagement with management, stressing that collaboration remains one of the core principles of the association, particularly within the highly sensitive and strategic aviation industry.
He encouraged SAHCO’s management to continue building trust with the union’s branch executives, describing them as duly elected representatives of workers who are committed to maintaining industrial harmony and supporting the company’s growth objectives.
Responding, the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, praised Ogbe’s longstanding commitment to workers’ welfare, recalling his contributions to labour relations and staff advocacy during his years at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Aboderin noted that both management and labour share the common goal of advancing the organisation, even though they may approach issues from different perspectives. She stressed the need for modern unionism that aligns with evolving workplace realities and promotes productivity alongside employee welfare.
According to her, discipline should remain a guiding principle for union members, adding that union membership should not be seen as a licence for misconduct or absenteeism.
She also urged the union to intensify efforts in discouraging substance abuse among workers, describing the trend as a growing concern that requires collective action from both management and labour representatives.
Aboderin reaffirmed SAHCO’s commitment to employee wellbeing, stating that the recent 40 per cent salary increase was part of broader efforts to improve staff welfare and reward dedication within the organisation.
She further disclosed that the company had approved the long-service award programme and was currently working to clear outstanding backlogs before full implementation.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship aimed at strengthening industrial harmony, enhancing staff welfare and supporting the continued growth of the aviation ground handling company.
