Union Orders MMA2 Workers To Withdraw Services From 6am

The unions in the aviation sector have threatened to shut down operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos on Wednesday, October 10, over alleged sacking of 20 employees who indicated interest to join the union.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the unions had, in a Notice of Strike obtained by NAN on Tuesday, threatened to disrupt operations at the terminal operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.

The unions are: The National Union of Air Transport Employees; Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria; and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

The notice of strike dated October 5 was jointly signed by the General Secretary of NUATE, Mr. Olayinka Abioye; General Secretary, ATSSSAN, Mr. Frances Akinjole; and General Secretary, NAAPE, Mr. Ocheme Aba.

The unions said they were compelled to issue the notice following the refusal of the BASL management to cooperate with the interventions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority  and airport security agencies.

The unions said all services to MMA2 would be withdrawn effective October 10 unless the management fully reinstates all the affected workers without loss of pay or seniority.

They also advised the management to recognise the unions and allow the unhindered processes of unionisation in BASL, in compliance with extant labour laws.

“By this notice, all aviation workers connected with MMA2, including the employees of BASL, are hereby directed to withdraw their services as above notified and join other members in the organised protest activities at the terminal on that date as from 6 A.M.

“By this notice also, all business enterprises, including airlines, are hereby advised to note this development and make alternative arrangements as may be feasible.

“In similar manner, the traveling public is also advised to seek alternative traveling points, or dates,” the unions said.

The unions, while apologising for any inconvenience that may be caused by the disruption, vowed to continue the protest until BASL accedes to their demands.

NAN reports that the unions and BASL have been at loggerheads since May when the workers were laid off.

The spokesperson for BASL, Mr. Steve Omolale, had said that contrary to the claims of the unions, these workers who were relieved of their appointment were employees who had either attained retirement age or who were found not to be diligent in their duties.

FROM  NAN.comng