Air travellers on Tuesday faced flight disruptions after aviation workers’ unions picketed Air Peace operations in Lagos and Abuja over alleged anti-labour practices.
The industrial action was led by three major unions: the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE
The unions accused Air Peace of denying employees the right to freely join trade unions. They also alleged that statutory charges collected from passengers had not been remitted to relevant aviation agencies.
The picketing had backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, which earlier threw their weight behind the unions’ threat to down tools if their grievances were not addressed.
The unions said they had warned of possible picketing since August 4, noting that Air Peace and other affected airlines had been given ample time to resolve the issues.
They alleged that workers at some domestic carriers live in fear of discrimination or victimisation for expressing interest in joining unions.
“Workers should be allowed to freely choose and belong to trade organisations without intimidation from their employers,” the unions insisted.
The picketing led to disruptions for Air Peace passengers in Lagos and Abuja, with many flights delayed or affected as union members blocked access to airline facilities.
The unions said the action will continue until management addresses issues of unionisation rights and remittance of statutory deductions.
Air Peace is yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations.
