The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has threatened a showdown with the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal (MMA2) over the sack of 34 of its members.
The association has therefore issued a seven-day ultimatum to the company to pay its members their terminal entitlement and reverse the leave of absence given to them.
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It said failure to do so will resort in it using “Any known means to fight for members’ rights.”
The association expressed dismay that out of 37 persons given letters of 10-day leave of absence, 34 were its members including those in the executive.
ATSSSAN in a letter to the management of Bi-Courtney signed by its Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Frances Akinjole said: “We view your 10-day leave of absence letters to our executives and members as a clear victimisation of members who have made bold demands for their rights.
“In light of the above, we demand as follows: The payment of terminal entitlements to all deserving staff without further delay.
“The withdrawal of the 10 days leave of absence letters issued to our affected branch executives and members.
“We have made it clear to the BASL management that if they resolve to undertake staff rationalisation, we as a union are ready to engage them in discussions, but we will never accept intimidation and victimisation of our members in the manner management is going about.”
But BASL in response to the union said it has complied with all laws of Nigeria regarding the issuance of compulsory 10-day leave of absence to branch executive officers and members of its union in BASL.
The management explained that in 15 years of operations, it had always paid salaries as and when due at the end of every month.