Aviation unions ask Bi-Courtney to recall workers allegedly sacked over unionism

Some aviation unions have given the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd., (BASL) a seven-day ultimatum to recall some of its employees who were allegedly sacked for indicating interest to belong to unions in the sector.

The unions, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), issued the ultimatum in a letter addressed to BASL.

The letter dated May 21, 2018 was jointly signed by the General Secretary of NUATE, Mr Olayinka Abioye and his ATSSSAN counterpart, Mr Frances Akinjole.

It was reported that BASL are the operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, Lagos.

The unions said they were compelled to issue the notice of seven days ultimatum following the alleged sack of the workers.

According to the union, with this notice, BASL is expected to reinstate all members of staff sacked arbitrarily and allow for unfettered unionisation of all interested members of staff in consonance with the applicable laws of Nigeria.

They urged the BASL management to meet with them to fashion the way forward as social partners in the industry.

The unions said failure to accede to their demands upon the expiration of the ultimatum might lead to a knotty situation for both parties.