Arik Sacks Pilots For Going On Strike

Arik Air has fired some of its pilots for going on strike.

The airline called the alleged decision of the pilots to go on strike “without recourse to laid-down procedures” a gross act of indiscipline.

The airline said in a statement, “The management of Arik Air (In Receivership) dismissed several of its pilots on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 for gross acts of indiscipline.” The affected pilots were fired for going on strike without following the established procedures.

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“According to labour laws, the pilots did not serve a strike notice.” They did not file a grievance with the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers, their umbrella union, nor did they file a statement of demands with the company’s management.

“There were also no ongoing discussions between management and pilots about any outstanding labor issues.” Their actions were unplanned.

“There were also no ongoing discussions between the management and the pilots on any unresolved labour issues. Their actions were spontaneous and callous.”

The company added that it was an act of betrayal for some of its pilots to engage in strike action during the Yuletide season as it is its peak period for travel.

The airline stated that it had recently held fruitful discussions with relevant aviation unions, including the National Association of Airline Pilots and Engineers, about all employees’ working conditions.

It went on to say that this resulted in the signing of a strong condition of service and redundancy benefits for employees.

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