Passengers Stranded at Lagos Airport over Unions’ Protest
The unions Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSSAN) and its affiliates are protesting the sack of 34 of its members by Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), managers of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) Ikeja , Lagos.
ATSSSAN on Monday accused the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) of breaching an agreement it signed with the union on matters affecting the disengagement of its members.
The union disclosed that the terminal operator did not exploit the full course of negotiation that was ongoing before it issued letters to 34 out of 37 workers sacked at the weekend.
The union described the decision of BASL management as a breach of the Labour Act and vowed to resist the obnoxious action of the terminal operator, adding that it will latch on the collective mobilisation of other unions in the sector to protect the interest of its members.
Principal Deputy General Secretary, ATSSSAN Comrade Frances Akinjole speaking at a briefing at the ATSSSAN secretariat in Lagos, stated that it will explore legitimate avenues to draw public attention to the infractions committed by BASL.
Akinjole said the company breached procedure in the way it carried out the disengagement of ATSSSAN members, stressing that the airport operator took the rash decision after failing to implement Conditions of Service it signed with the worker in 2021.
However, the union issued the airport operator a seven Day ultimatum to comply with certain demands and to reverse the decision before it embarks on a series of actions.
On its part, BASL has absolved itself of any infractions, noting that it has complied with all laws of Nigeria regarding issuance of compulsory ten days leave of absence to branch executive officers and members of the union. The company declared that it has always been very dutiful towards its staff.
Gentechnews gathered that the Airlines operating from the terminal are calling on the feuding parties to find amicable ways of resolving the impasse.
