Aviation workers commence two-day warning strike at Lagos airport over working conditions

AVIATION workers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos have embarked upon a two- day warning strike to protest the unpalatable working conditions under which they are having to operate.

This morning, the aviation workers, represented by different unions, were seen protesting what they described as  the unpalatable working conditions and entitlements in the country’s aviation industry. Their protest left passengers stranded as it grounded airport operations at terminals of the Lagos airport this morning.

Last Friday, the unions has announced that they would embark on a warning strike but as their demands were not met by the authorities, industrial action began today. Their unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

In November last year, workers at the airport downed tools disrupting flights at Terminal Two in protest over the unprovoked termination of the appointment of 34 of their colleagues. Their industrial action forced airlines like Ibom Air and Air Peace operating within the terminal to stop flight operations.

Members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) were protesting the sacking of the 34 workers by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the operators of the terminal. According to the union, it considered the termination as victimisation of its members and executive committee members who were merely carrying out their constitutional duties.