Aviation Strike: Unions end strike at MMA2

Abiodun oba |

Following an agreement brokered by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and airport security agencies, unions in the aviation sector Thursday night called off their two-day industrial action against Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) at Murtala Muhammed Airport2 in Lagos.

Mr Sam Jaja, Deputy President, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) confirmed the suspension of the picketing while addressing the union members after the meeting.

Jaja said BASL had agreed to reinstate the sacked workers and also give recognition to unions in the sector, as well as right of workers to belong to unions of their choice.

He said it was also agreed that an inter-ministerial committee should be set up to look into unionism among private organisations in the aviation sector.

It will be recalled that the unions had since the early hours of Wednesday embarked on the protest, over the alleged sack of 24 employees who indicated interest to unionise by BASL, operators of the MMA2 in Lagos.

The unions involved were ATSSSAN, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).

A subsisting court order issued by Justice I. N Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos restraining them from the action notwithstanding, the unions had shut down flights and business activities at the MMA2.

Airlines operating from the terminal affected by the action include Arik Air, Medview Airline, Azman Air, Max Air, Dana Air and Aero Contractors.

During the face-off, the airlines temporarily moved their passenger boarding and processing to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).