Aviation Unions Disrupt Turkish Airlines Operations Over Staff Dismissal

Operations of Turkish Airlines were disrupted at major airports in Nigeria as aviation unions protested the dismissal of staff members allegedly punished for union activities.

The airline, in a statement, said it would take appropriate operational decisions if safety standards were not met during the situation.

“As demonstrated in the past, should operational conditions fail to meet the required safety standards, Turkish Airlines will take the necessary operational measures,” the airline stated.

The protest followed the alleged sack of seven workers for engaging in union activities. On Tuesday, aviation unions picketed the airline’s operational counters at airports in Lagos and Abuja, disrupting flight operations.

At the Lagos airport alone, about 300 passengers were reportedly unable to board their flights due to the action.

The protesting workers stormed the terminal carrying placards to express their grievances, accusing the airline’s management of repeatedly violating labour laws in Nigeria.

Union leaders also alleged that the airline dismissed some union members in 2020 and that the affected workers had not received their entitlements six years after their termination.

According to the unions, a court had ordered the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed workers, but the airline had allegedly failed to comply with the directive.

They vowed to sustain the protest until the workers are reinstated and their benefits paid.