By: Amadi Vincent Uzoma
Turkish Airlines has resumed its services following a picketing incident and is now working to transport passengers who were left stranded. The airline has reported that it had to terminate the employment of seven Nigerian staff members due to violations of ticketing reservation regulations, resulting in a substantial economic loss of more than $600,000.
The situation arose shortly after the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) in Lagos, Nigeria staged protests against the airline, leading to flight disruptions and leaving approximately 300 passengers unable to travel.
The union claimed that the airline unjustly fired seven of its members on fabricated charges as part of an attempt to dismantle the union.
In a press statement, Turkish Airlines dismissed these claims, asserting that they were inaccurate, and clarified the events leading up to the dismissals. The airline explained that after discovering serious ticketing irregularities by the seven employees, which caused significant financial losses, they engaged in discussions with the union. Despite inviting the union to participate in the disciplinary process against the employees and presenting evidence of their misconduct, the union refused to cooperate in approving the dismissals.
Turkish Airlines further elaborated that even though the employees were given the option to resign, only three chose to do so while the remaining four declined. The union’s refusal to support the disciplinary actions against its members prompted the airline to take legal action against NUATE to address the situation.
Following threats of industrial action by NUATE, Turkish Airlines took the matter to court to determine the legality of the union’s actions. Despite legal proceedings being initiated, the union proceeded with picketing the airline’s operations, leading to disruptions and flight cancellations.
Turkish Airlines emphasized its commitment to prioritizing the interests of its passengers and staff since its inception in Lagos in 2006. While affirming its support for employees’ union participation, the airline condemned the union’s disruptive actions and emphasized the negative impact on its business operations.
