Aviation unions' industrial action disrupts Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines flights, causing over ₦2 billion in losses
Aviation unions' industrial action on Tuesday disrupted flights for Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines, with Air Peace reporting over 70 affected flights and financial losses exceeding ₦2 billion—up from an initial ₦1 billion estimate. United Nigeria Airlines saw more than 30 flights disrupted after suspending some operations. The action stemmed from a dispute over the 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) remittance to aviation agencies and allegations concerning workers' freedom to join trade unions. Unions accused airlines of failing to remit collected TSCs, while Air Peace's COO Oluwatoyin Olajide denied the claims, stating compliance with Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority directives and rejecting allegations that the airline prevented unionization, citing employees' voluntary choice not to unionize. Olajide also alleged that some Air Peace employees were physically assaulted during the picketing, including a female employee. The disruption affected thousands of passengers, forcing rearrangements of accommodation, business meetings, and connecting flights, particularly impacting travelers in Lagos and Abuja. Although unions temporarily suspended the action and airlines resumed operations, the underlying TSC and unionization dispute remains unresolved, with unions indicating further action could follow if issues are not addressed. This incident adds pressure to Nigeria's aviation sector already grappling with high operating costs, fuel prices, and multiple charges. With the TSC dispute unresolved and potential for renewed industrial action, what resolution would balance workers' rights to unionize with airlines' operational sustainability and passenger convenience?