Flight Operations Resume As Aggrieved Aviation Workers Call Off Protest

Some aggrieved aviation workers, who staged protests at the entrance gates of the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 (MMA2) Terminal in Lagos state, have terminated their strike and vacated the gates for resumption of flight operations.

The action had cost operators millions of Naira as activities were halted when aviation workers under the aegis of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) blocked the gates on Tuesday morning, disrupting airport operations as airlines suspended flights.

The union said they were protesting the unprovoked termination of the appointment of 34 aviation workers by the operators of the airport terminal, the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).

The union listed those affected by the disengagement to include the ATSSSAN branch chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Women Leaders, who were said to demand “the payment of terminal benefits to staff members who exited the service of the company lawfully in line with the signed Conditions of Service”.

ATSSSAN general secretary, Mr Francis Akinjolie, said BASL had recalled the disengaged workers.

“The strike that was embarked upon today against the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited has been called off pursuant to the acceptance by the company to recall the laid-off members of our union and an undertaking to pay their salaries,” Mr Akinjolie said in a statement.

According to him, the agreement was reached at a meeting empanelled by the Ministry of Labour and Employment; Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and airport security agencies.