Just in: Union disrupts flight operations at MMA2 over sacked workers

Flight operation at the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2 (MMA2) Terminal in Lagos was on Tuesday morning disrupted by protesting members of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) who blocked the entrance gates.

The situation forced airlines like Ibom Air and Air Peace operating within the airport terminal to stop flight operations.

According to sources, the union is protesting the “unprovoked termination” of the appointment of 34 aviation workers by the operators of the airport terminal, the B-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).

In a notice of strike by ATSSSAN, those affected in the disengagement include ATSSSAN Branch Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Women Leader 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”.

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The union said BASL Management acted at a time when parties were on the table discussing the said payment, and there was nothing to suggest that negotiation has broken down irretrievably.

It considered the termination as victimisation of its members and excos who were merely carrying out their constitutional duties.

“In light of the above. ATSSSAN has declared industrial action against BASL and calls on all branches nationwide, as well as all professional association affiliated to ATSSSAN to withdraw services to all airlines operating into and out of the MMA2 Lagos immediately without fall,” said ATSSSAN Principal Deputy General Secretary, Frances Akinjole.

The operators of the terminal have not issued a statement on the development as of press time.