Aviation Workers Shut Down Turkish Airlines Operations in Lagos

Operations of Turkish Airlines were disrupted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport after aviation workers staged a protest over the alleged dismissal of union members.

The protest was organised by the National Union of Air Transport Employees, whose members picketed the airline’s counters at the airport’s international terminal. The action forced many passengers scheduled to travel with the airline to leave the terminal without boarding their flights.

Union members carried placards and sang solidarity songs while accusing the airline’s management of violating labour laws and victimising workers for joining a union. According to the union, the dispute involves seven employees who were dismissed in 2020 due to their involvement in union activities.

The union also alleged that the airline failed to comply with a ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which reportedly ordered the reinstatement and compensation of the affected workers. Labour leaders argued that the airline’s refusal to obey the court ruling prompted the protest action.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola