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| Murtala Muhammed Airport |
Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) barricaded the Terminal 2 building of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday to the chagrin of air travellers.
The association's move halted aeroplane operations and stranded passengers.
The union blocked entry to the terminal building in protest at the terminal facility's operator, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), firing some of its leaders.
34 employees were placed on a required leave of absence by the BASL on October 14 "to allow management to examine the effectiveness of the new terminal facility, and allowances will be provided during this period."
Passengers travelling through the airport lamented the situation.
Abiodun Dipo, who had a 7:00 a.m. flight to Abuja, expressed his displeasure about the situation.
“The disagreement between the union and terminal building operator can be resolved in civil ways (rather) than blocking the airport and leaving passengers to suffer untoward hardship,” he said.
Sade Fadipe, who was at the airport with her two-year-old son, also lamented the situation.
“I had an important medical appointment for my son, but I missed the appointment because of something that has absolutely nothing to do with me,” she queried.
Meanwhile, ATSSSAN has declared a strike action against BASL and withdrawn its services, according to Frances Akinjole, the deputy general secretary of the union.
He stated that the ATSSSAN viewed BASL’s actions as victimising the union’s executives and members who demanded their rights.
Mr Akinjole noted that the union’s attempts to negotiate with the BASL to recall its affected members to work had met with brick walls.
(NAN)