Aviation Blues: Workers protest over termination of appointments, shut Lagos MMA2

*Aggrieved members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Monday morning blocked the entrance of Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, in Lagos over ‘unprovoked termination’ of appointments by B-Courtney Aviation Services Limited

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Aggrieved members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have blocked the entrance gates of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), in Ikeja, Lagos State.

ConsumerConnect learnt the workers were protesting over what they described as “unprovoked termination” of the appointment of 34 aviation workers by B-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the domestic airport terminal.

The situation Tuesday forced local airlines, including Ibom Air and Air Peace, operating within the airport terminal to suspend flight operations, according to report.

Ibom Air, in a notice to passengers, confirmed the development, and said the aviation workers’ action would greatly impact its flights scheduled in and out of Lagos Tuesday.

The airline stated: “We greatly regret the impact of this unexpected action on your day’s plans as we urge you to kindly stay close to all our communication channels for subsequent updates.”

Earlier in a notice of strike by ATSSSAN, the affected workers in the disengagement saga included ATSSSAN Branch Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Women Leader, who reportedly demanded “the payment of terminal benefits to staff members who exited the service of the company lawfully in line with the signed Conditions of Service.”

The Union also stated the  BASL Management acted at a time when parties were at the table discussing the said payment, and there was nothing to suggest that negotiation had broken down irretrievably.

The workers’union said it considered the termination as victimisation of its members and Excos who were merely carrying out their constitutional duties.

Frances Akinjole, ATSSSAN Principal Deputy General Secretary, said: “In light of the above, ATSSSAN has declared industrial action against BASL and calls on all branches nationwide, as well as all professional associations affiliated to ATSSSAN to withdraw services to all airlines operating into and out of the MMA2 Lagos immediately without fail.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for BASL has said that the company initially engaged the union, but there is no official response on the development as of press time.