Air cargo industry is very volatile as regards labour and industrial relations matters due to its complexity and specialty of skills required of individuals working in that context. Human resources personnel in the industry are often faced with the challenges of staffing, retention, development , adjustment and managing change.
The needs in the industry are in a constant state of flux and this tend to determine the outcome of an effective human resources matters. In order to face the challenge of staffing for this ever-changing need , the human resources manager must establish a system for regular evaluation of the need, then recruit based on the evaluated need and gathered information. More so, the recruitment procedures which also include discovering special rare skills that are needed in specific department in the industry. There are departments in the sector that require highly skilled and experienced individuals. For example, in flight and ramp operations. And with the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, there is need for trained personnel.
The increase competitiveness in air cargo industries has created the need for strategic planning in order to meet up with the ever changing technology and new innovations. Part of this strategic plan is the extensive and up to date training of workers. The industry is structured in such a way that aviation and air cargo companies are being compelled by authorize regulatory bodies ( N.C.A.A. and I.C.A.O) to send staff for regular and continuous training. This is very essential in Air cargo industry because of the sensitivity of operations. Human Resources departments of major airline companies in Nigeria often seek the assistance of authorized training institutes (e.g. International Air Transport Association: IATA) in training and re-training of aviation staff. This has enhanced human capital competence and self initiatives in individuals.
In terms of employment, the airline sector has seen a considerable amount of restructuring and change over the past years which has lead to increase in employment level. The role of the workers union in the industry cannot be overlooked. It has helped in protecting its member’s view and interests. There are different forms of unionism in the industry. Example is the Aviation Transport workers Union of Nigeria which represents various arms in the industry.
The practice of subcontracting has increased over the years, particularly in ground handling companies, agencies of foreign airline companies and catering operations. With regards to this, unions have been trying to recruit new members and gain recognition for bargaining purposes, but are often faced with hostility, especially from most air cargo agencies representing foreign airlines. They do not have structured human resources department and often refrain their workers from participating in union activities.
The planning of recruitment, training, retraining and labor reductions (retirement/redundancy) or changes in workforce utilization has bring supply and demand into equilibrium. Regular and extensive training and re-training of air cargo workers has help increase safety, reduce accidents and increased security consciousness especially at cargo ramps. Compensation, motivation and good conditions of service have been the driving force for increased operational performance in air cargo industry.
In Summary, Human resources and industrial relations is very vital in maintaining good working relationships amongst aviation workers, increased performance, efficiency and effectiveness in operations. The role in air cargo sector which cover staffing, job designing, training, information sharing, appraisal, employment security, unionism and protectionism cannot be over emphasized.
The needs in the industry are in a constant state of flux and this tend to determine the outcome of an effective human resources matters. In order to face the challenge of staffing for this ever-changing need , the human resources manager must establish a system for regular evaluation of the need, then recruit based on the evaluated need and gathered information. More so, the recruitment procedures which also include discovering special rare skills that are needed in specific department in the industry. There are departments in the sector that require highly skilled and experienced individuals. For example, in flight and ramp operations. And with the spate of insecurity in Nigeria, there is need for trained personnel.
The increase competitiveness in air cargo industries has created the need for strategic planning in order to meet up with the ever changing technology and new innovations. Part of this strategic plan is the extensive and up to date training of workers. The industry is structured in such a way that aviation and air cargo companies are being compelled by authorize regulatory bodies ( N.C.A.A. and I.C.A.O) to send staff for regular and continuous training. This is very essential in Air cargo industry because of the sensitivity of operations. Human Resources departments of major airline companies in Nigeria often seek the assistance of authorized training institutes (e.g. International Air Transport Association: IATA) in training and re-training of aviation staff. This has enhanced human capital competence and self initiatives in individuals.
In terms of employment, the airline sector has seen a considerable amount of restructuring and change over the past years which has lead to increase in employment level. The role of the workers union in the industry cannot be overlooked. It has helped in protecting its member’s view and interests. There are different forms of unionism in the industry. Example is the Aviation Transport workers Union of Nigeria which represents various arms in the industry.
The practice of subcontracting has increased over the years, particularly in ground handling companies, agencies of foreign airline companies and catering operations. With regards to this, unions have been trying to recruit new members and gain recognition for bargaining purposes, but are often faced with hostility, especially from most air cargo agencies representing foreign airlines. They do not have structured human resources department and often refrain their workers from participating in union activities.
The planning of recruitment, training, retraining and labor reductions (retirement/redundancy) or changes in workforce utilization has bring supply and demand into equilibrium. Regular and extensive training and re-training of air cargo workers has help increase safety, reduce accidents and increased security consciousness especially at cargo ramps. Compensation, motivation and good conditions of service have been the driving force for increased operational performance in air cargo industry.
In Summary, Human resources and industrial relations is very vital in maintaining good working relationships amongst aviation workers, increased performance, efficiency and effectiveness in operations. The role in air cargo sector which cover staffing, job designing, training, information sharing, appraisal, employment security, unionism and protectionism cannot be over emphasized.
1 comment:
Detailed resource. Thanks for sharing
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