- As NCAA Brokers Peace With Labour Union
By Chinelo Obogo, Lagos
Turkish Airlines has responded to allegations made by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) regarding the dismissal of seven Nigerian employees, stating that the union’s claims are unfounded and that the airline has suffered significant economic losses as a result of the union’s actions.
In a statement, the airline claims that the employees were dismissed due to ticketing reservation violations, which caused the airline a loss of over $600,000. It states that the union was involved in the disciplinary process and that the employees were found to be liable for gross misconduct. Three of the seven employees opted to resign voluntarily, while the remaining four declined.
The airline further claims that the union threatened to disrupt its operations in Nigeria if the employees were not reinstated. It instituted proceedings in the National Industrial Court to determine the legality of the union’s actions. Despite this, the union proceeded to picket the airline’s check-in stations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, preventing passengers from boarding for over two hours.
The court subsequently issued formal notices of injunction restraining the union from conducting any industrial action that disrupts the airline’s business. Turkish Airlines expressed intolerance for the union’s actions, which it claims have caused serious financial losses, and vowed to exercise all its legal rights regarding the matter.
The airline emphasized its commitment to the interests of its passengers and employees, stating that it has always encouraged employees to participate in any union of their choosing and has sought to work harmoniously with all governmental and non-governmental bodies in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) brokered a temporary agreement between NUATE and the airline, allowing the airline to airlift stranded passengers. Following the agreement, NUATE agreed to shelve further disruptions to the airline’s operations in Lagos and Abuja.