Afrigather Turkish Airways says it dismissed seven Nigerian employees as a result of they violated varied ticketing reservation guidelines costing the airline vital financial loss to the tune of over $600,000.
That is coming few days after the Nationwide Union of Air Transport Staff in Lagos, (NUATE) Nigeria picketed the airline, inflicting flight disruptions which left no less than 300 passengers stranded.
The unions alleged that in a bid to exterminate the union, the airline had dismissed seven of its workers who’re members of the union on trumped-up prices.
In an announcement launched to the press, the airline mentioned NUATE’s narrative is fake.
“This can’t be farther from the reality. Within the curiosity of our prospects and the goodwill and popularity that the Airline has garnered through the years, you will need to set the document straight,” the airline’s assertion mentioned.
“In late 2023, the airline found an unlucky sample of ticket racketeering, notably varied ticketing reservation violations dedicated by seven of its workers which triggered the Airline vital financial loss and hardship to the tune of over $600,000.
“Upon discovering the violations, the airline instantly engaged the Union in varied discussions on the right way to deal with the mentioned violations. Particularly, the Union was invited and acted as a member of the disciplinary committee towards the erring workers, the place it was decided, after the presentation of irrefutable proof detailing the workers’ wrongdoings, that the workers have been answerable for gross misconduct and should be dismissed.
“After the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, the airline gave the workers the choice to voluntarily resign which three out of the seven workers did. Nevertheless, the 4 remaining workers who indicated that they have been enthusiastic about resigning later declined to take action. The Union, regardless of full compliance with disciplinary course of, refused to log off on disciplinary motion to the erring members of employees.”
The airline additional defined that regardless of the clear and undisputable proof of wrongdoing, the union has repeatedly threatened to paralyse the airline’s operations in Nigeria by the use of industrial motion if the workers usually are not reinstated.
“Premised on the specter of industrial motion issued by NUATE by notices dated 28 February 2024 and 25 March 2024, the airline instituted proceedings in Swimsuit No.: NICN/LA/24/2024 – Turkish Airways Included v The Registered Trustees of the Nationwide Union of Air Transport Staff (NUATE), searching for to find out the legality of the Union’s (threatened) actions, amongst different issues.
“After the establishment of this go well with on the Nationwide Industrial Courtroom of Nigeria (NICN) and after service had been effected on the Union on 9 February 2024 and whereas motions for injunction have been pending earlier than the Courtroom, NUATE proceeded to execute their threats to picket.
“On 26 March 2024, union members of NUATE barricaded the Airline’s check-in stations at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos State and prevented its passengers from boarding for over 2 hours. It was solely by means of the intervention of the airport authorities that NUATE’s makes an attempt to trigger an entire breakdown of regulation and order on the airport was thwarted.
“Premised on the actions of the Union on 26 March 2024, the NICN on 30 April 2024 issued formal notices of injunction restraining NUATE and its affiliate unions from conducting any industrial motion in such a means as to disrupt the enterprise of the airline.
“Beneath the cloak of the Nigeria Labour Congress picketing, NUATE has disrupted the enterprise of the airline and has pressured the Airline to cancel its flights due to the picketing carried out yesterday, 21 Might 2024,” the airline added.
The airline acknowledged that since 2006 when it launched its operations in Lagos, Nigeria, it has continued to place the curiosity of its passengers and workers first.
The airline additionally acknowledged that it has at all times inspired its workers to take part in any union of their selecting and has sought to work harmoniously with all governmental and non-governmental our bodies in Nigeria.
Nevertheless, it famous that the affiliation expects the airline to disregard these unlawful behaviors and actions, that are opposite to the airline’s transparency and administration rules and trigger severe monetary losses.
