Aviation unions on Tuesday triggered flight disruptions in Lagos and Abuja after picketing Air Peace over alleged failure to remit the statutory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC). Also, the unions have also raised concerns about aviation workers’ rights to join trade unions, claiming airlines were against the unionisation of staff which has also fuelled the agitation. The action began at about 5:00am and restricted passenger access to Air Peace terminals at both airports. Consequently, scheduled departures were affected, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting travel plans across the airline’s network.
The action was led by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), with backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). Although the wider dispute involves domestic airlines, Air Peace was the airline confirmed as being picketed during Tuesday’s action.
Flight Disruptions Follow Escalating TSC Dispute
ATSSSAN National President, Comrade John Ogbe, said the union began the action after successive 14-day, seven-day and three-day ultimatums expired without resolution. He said a meeting convened by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development failed to resolve the dispute after the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) allegedly declined to attend.
The union’s position centres on TSC remittance and workers’ rights. ATSSSAN also argues that preventing aviation workers from joining unions violates International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 98, which addresses the right to organise and collective bargaining.
Air Peace said the flight disruptions followed the barricading of entrances to its departure terminals at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in Lagos. The airline also reported restricted access to its terminal at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to Air Peace Management, the restrictions prevented scheduled flights from departing Lagos and Abuja. The airline apologised to affected and stranded passengers, saying the disruption resulted from circumstances beyond its control.
The carrier said passengers scheduled to travel later Tuesday were being contacted as the situation developed. Meanwhile, Air Peace said it was monitoring the industrial action and would provide further updates when necessary.
The disruption comes as passengers across the two cities contend with delays and uncertainty over their travel arrangements. Therefore, travellers are advised to confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.
NCAA Appeals for End to Flight Disruptions
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appealed to the unions to sheathe their swords and exercise restraint pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN).
NCAA Director General Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, said the Minister had been actively working towards resolving the dispute. He added that a meeting convened by the Minister last week could not hold because airline operators failed to honour the invitation.
The NCAA maintained that flight safety remained uncompromised despite the industrial action. The Authority also said it continued to exercise its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
The regulator urged the unions, airlines and other parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. It expressed confidence that the dispute would be resolved and normal flight operations restored as soon as practicable.
For now, the TSC dispute continues to create flight disruptions, with passengers bearing the immediate impact. The NCAA has urged all parties to return to dialogue as efforts continue to restore normal operations.
Readers can follow more aviation developments on : Inside Nigeria’s TSC Funding Battle: Three Visions for Aviation Funding
