The President of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA), Mrs. Helena Sjostrom Falk, has urged air traffic controllers and industry stakeholders to prioritize strong professional relationships as a foundation for effective industrial relations.
Speaking virtually from Sweden at the joint IFATCA and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) workshop on industrial relations and negotiation skills in Lagos, Mrs. Falk warned that the trust built during stable periods often proves crucial when the industry faces moments of crisis.
Her remarks set the tone for the high-level training, which brought together air traffic control professionals and union leaders from across Africa and the Middle East to strengthen negotiation skills and industrial relations.
She stressed that engagement between workers and management must be continuous, not reactive, noting that open communication remains vital to sustaining safety in the aviation sector.
“When things are good and when you don’t have too big problems, that’s the time when you should be working on your relations with your bosses, your managers and with everybody else actually too in the industry. Because there will come a day maybe when things are not so good anymore and that is not the time to start working on good relations, by then it’s too late”.
Declaring the one week workshop open, Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, said effective industrial relations are critical to operational stability, especially at a time of rapid technological change and rising demands in the industry.
He warned that poor labour relations could trigger disruptions with far-reaching consequences for safety, the economy and public confidence, urging dialogue over industrial action.
“It is, therefore, essential that we continue to promote dialogue, cooperation, and structured engagement as the primary tools for resolving world concerns. I believe dialogue is very key and very important”.
The President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association, NATCA, Mr. Amos Edino, painted a stark picture of conditions in Nigeria, saying controllers are under intense strain due to obsolete equipment, low morale and heavy workloads, factors he described as growing threats to aviation safety.
Also speaking, IFATCA’s Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Ahmad Abba, said the workshop is designed to equip participants with practical tools for negotiation and conflict resolution, while reinforcing dialogue as the preferred path, with industrial action seen only as a last resort.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen