Aviation Unions Ground Flights Over Anti-Union Practices

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), initiated a protest that grounded domestic flights in Lagos and Abuja. The action commenced around 5am at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, with the Zulu terminal gate locked.

Air Peace, Nigeria's largest domestic airline, was notably affected, leaving passengers stranded, including those scheduled for a 6:30am flight. The unions claim the protest addresses anti-union practices by airlines and the non-remittance of a five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) owed to aviation agencies.

They allege that domestic airlines have made it difficult for employees to join unions and have withheld funds necessary for collective bargaining agreements. The unions had previously issued a three-day notice of strike, warning airlines of potential industrial action after weeks of unresolved grievances.