Flights resume as aviation unions call off strike at Lagos airport

Unions in the aviation sector have ended their two-day industrial action at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2).

Flight operations and business activities have resumed following the suspension of the strike.

According to NAN, the union leaders and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) reached an agreement before the strike was called off.

The agreement was negotiated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and airport security agencies.

Sam Jaja, deputy-president, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), confirmed the suspension of the protest while addressing the union members after the meeting.

Jaja said BASL had agreed to reinstate the sacked workers and also give recognition to unions in the sector, as well as right of workers to belong to unions of their choice.

According to him, it was also agreed that an inter-ministerial committee should be set up to look into unionism among private organisations in the aviation sector.

On Wednesday, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) had embarked on a protest over BASL’s alleged sacking of 20 employees.

They accused BASL management of violating extant labour laws by not recognising the unions and preventing staff from joining unions in the sector.