Strike bites harder in Nigerian airport
Airport 2 (MMA2), Lagos, enters the second day, airline operators have
been forced to make alternative arrangements to fly their passengers.
boarding and processing to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) operated
by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Services
Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(ATSSSAN) and the National
Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
of 24 employees who indicated interest to unionise by Bi-Courtney
Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the MMA2.
by Justice I. N Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos restraining them
from the action, the unions continued to shutdown flights and business
activities at the MMA2.
Arik Air, Medview Airline, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air and Aero
Contractors who operate flights from the terminal.
Communications Manager, Dana Air, said on Thursday that the arrangement
to move the airline’s passengers to GAT was reached on Wednesday after
they were prevented from entering MMA2.
since yesterday and at the moment, the strike is still ongoing but we
are hoping that everything will be resolved as soon as possible.
actually have no business with what is happening are the ones suffering
in the battle between these two organisations.
it as soon as possible because passengers come first. Without the
passengers there is no airline. There is no industry and we need to
start considering them before taking any decision. ”
MMA2 had incurred losses amounting to millions of naira since the strike
began, adding that they still had to pay FAAN to process their
passengers at the GAT.
Air, said the airline, which operates its Port Harcourt flights out of
MMA2 had temporary move it back to its hub at the GAT due to the strike.
since yesterday to go to our counter at GAT for boarding, pending when
the strike will be called off, ” he said.
ATSSSAN, said that the unions would continue to picket the terminal
until the sacked workers were reinstated and the BASL management
recognises the unions in the sector.
Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and security agencies including the
Assistant Inspector General, Lagos Airport Police Command, Mr Aminchi
Baraya, had tried to intervene on the issue.
the management accede to our demands because what we are doing here is
lawful, ” he said.
Omolale, however flayed the unions for the continued disruption of
business activities and flights at the terminal despite being aware of
the interim court order.
with the unions since the matter was already before a competent court of
jurisdiction in suit number FHC/L/CS/16412/18.