Many Passengers Stranded As Angry Workers Ground Arik Air Operations (Photo)

The protesting workers (Photo: Joseph Olaoluwa)

It was pure drama that took place recently after Arik Air workers protested, a report by The PUNCH has shown.

Arik Air operations were on Thursday grounded by the National Union of Air Transport Employees over poor working conditions.

The workers blocked the entrance of the airline’s headquarters, carrying placards with different inscriptions.

Some of the inscriptions read, “End Arik brutality”, and “Sign our condition of service and recall all staff”.

They alleged that several members of staff had been furloughed, adding that pensions were being owed.

State Secretary of NUATE, Ijeh Anthony, explained that the issue had lingered for long, vowing to continue the strike till all demands are met.

He said, “The contentious issue is the signing of the Conditions of Service which we have been negotiating for the past three years.

“But the only aspect remaining in the CoS is the issue of the severance package. We have sought interventions from the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

“However in most discussions, Arik Air Management will always renege.”

At the MM2 terminal, several passengers booked for 8 am flights were stranded.

Some of the passengers, who spoke to The PUNCH, were distraught after waiting for several hours.

Officials from the airline were seen trying to manage the situation.

Details later…