As the ongoing picketing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA2, by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) over the unjust sacking of 26 staff of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services (BASL) operators of the terminal enters day two, the concessionaires, customers, business owners and employees working at the terminal have embarked on a counter protest against the unions.
The concessionaires, customers and others carrying placards with different inscriptions such as: “NUATE/ATSSSAN let Bi-Courtney be”, “BASL is a responsible employer of labour, unions should stop troubling Bi-Courtney” among others, described the unions’ action as a ploy to destroy one of the best flagships of the private sector industry in the provision of services in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the picketing on Tuesday October 11 grounded business activities at the terminal.
At the terminal, policemen from the Airport Police Command and bouncers were seen at the main entrance of the gate maintaining peace, two trucks belonging to BASL were used to block the entrance and exit gates.
Speaking to Journalists on the shutdown of the terminal, the Head of Finance, Resort Group, Mrs. Yosola Popoola, said that the people protesting are concessionaires, customers , business and employees.
Wondering why this is happening, Popoola said they are over 2,000 people who contributed hundreds of millions of naira to Nigeria’s economy.
She queried why only 27 people, who have disciplinary issues with the company are now using the unions to destroy the business that has over 500 employees.
“Information reaching us as we speak is that each airline that resides here has bled profusely since the closure of the terminal and are endangered Even at this stage, it may be difficult for the airline to recover, which may lead to retrenchment or closure of business. All airlines are of the view that this is the most efficient terminal in Nigeria and their movement here has significantly enhanced their productivity.
“The unions are seeking to destroy one of the best flagships of the private sector industry in the provision of services in Nigeria .The passengers are choking as they have been subjected to inconveniences caused by extremely poor facilities in other terminals. We believe that treating the travelling public this way reflects badly on the aviation industry in Nigeria,” she said
Popoola pointed out that BASL is a responsible corporate citizen determined to contribute extensively to the economy of Nigeria, wondering why 27 people would be allowed to use the unions to cripple the business of a major concern.
The Head of Finance, Resort Group, frowned at the action of the Police, which according to her allegedly and deliberately refused to protect the citizen of Nigeria in the process of carrying out their business activities, adding that it is more worrisome because there is a specific court order restraining the unions from carrying out industrial action against BASL and also directing the police to ensure that MMA2 is open for business.
