Flights Disrupted, As Nigerian Aviation Workers Protest Sack By Bi-Courtney

The aviation workers, under the aegis of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have grounded operation at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos Terminal Two (MMA2), on Tuesday.

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the firm managing the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two, had sacked over 30 workers, resulting in a disagreement between the firm and the association. 

Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, on Monday, had urged Bi-Courtney Aviation Services to reverse the sack within seven days, stating it is witch-hunting and willful intimidation. 

The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Ben Nnabue, said the sack of the air transport workers by Bi-Courtney Aviation did not follow due process.

Bi-Courtney Aviation allegedly sacked members of ATSSAN, as well as the union executives rather than implementing the conditions of service both parties agreed with in 2021. 

ATSSAN also demanded a reversal of the leave of absence issued to them, as well as terminal entitlements. The association had threatened to protest against Bi-Courtney if their demands weren’t met. 

However, on Tuesday, activities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two was disrupted by the members of the association after stressing they will resort to any known means to fight for their members’ rights. 

“All I can say for now is that we have processes as a union on how workers are being laid off. So, you cannot wake up one morning on your own accord without consulting us and sack 35 of our workers.” Nnabue told The Cable.