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Members of National Union of Air Transport Employees on Tuesday grounded the operations of Kenya Airways at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos following allegations of poor treatment of Nigerians. According to Dailytruist, the union had previously demanded improved wages for its members, a request that the Airline failed to implement. The situation worsened following breakdown of negotiation between the union and officials of the Airlines.


The aggrieved workers, who had planned to carry out the protest last week, shelved the action following the intervention of the Commissioner of Police Airport Command, Mr. Besam Gwana. The group thereafter issued fresh 48 hours ultimatum to the Airlines to meet their demands, a development that prompted today's action.


The action disrupted operations. Consequently, passengers billed to use the airlines were checked in on RWAND AIR Flight WB 201(KGL). Addressing the workers and newsmen, the Secretary of the Union, Comrade Olayinka Abioye said;


“This would have taken place earlier but we had to reach KQ Management in Nairobi, Kenya and the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command's intervention truncated the picketing of the Airline to this day.


The Kenya Airline defaulted in the incremental welfare programme for her workers, review of the terms and conditions of Nigerian workers in the Airline which has lasted close to two years, denying workers of their annual leave which goes against the Nigerian working rule that stipulates that workers are given 30 days annual leave with full pay, amongst other reasons for the grounding of their operations and hoisting the NLC flag at their counter. He said this arrangement will last until they meet all their workers demands”.


Meanwhile, Kenyan Airways has apologized to the affected passengers but insisted that the financial demands by the union are unsustainable.


"Kenya Airways wishes to announce that it expects disruptions due to industrial action at its Lagos station. This action has stemmed from disagreements related to unsustainable financial demands in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Guests are kindly advised to check their flight details and status before heading to the airport. Those already at the airport are advised to pay attention to the periodic boarding announcements for their flights."


"Kenya Airways is committed to do its utmost to minimize the effects of this disruption to its guests. The Airline is working to reroute its affected guests. We would also like to state that all our other operations remain normal. Passengers travelling from/to Lagos from 13th to 16th December, 2017 wishing to cancel or postpone their travel are allowed to do so without incurring financial penalties. We advise our passengers to contact Kenya Airways Call Centre for rebooking," it added

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