Dana Air has only one serviceable plane, claim 100 sacked workers
On Tuesday in Lagos, no fewer than 100 sacked employees of Dana Air picketed the airline’s head office over alleged unpaid salaries and outstanding pensions.
The disgruntled ex-workers said the suspended airline had only one “serviceable” plane out of seven aircraft.
The protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as ‘Expatriates not paid for three months’, ‘Pension deductions not remitted since 2008’, ‘Say No to tyranny’ and ‘7 aircraft, only one serviceable’, among others.
The airline’s former training and cabin services manager, Magdalene Onyeukwu, also among the protesters, expressed dismay over the workers’ laying-off and accused the airline management of a lack of empathy.
Ms Onyeukwu also accused the management of not making adequate settlements before relieving the workers of their jobs.
“I have been working with the airline since 2008, and I participated in the demo flight, which got them their Air Operator Certificate (AOC),” Ms Onyeukwu said. “I and others like me have been dedicated, even in the face of challenges. When salaries were not paid, we were committed until the runway incident of April 23.”
She added, “It is normal for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to audit the airline, but before we knew it, we got WhatsApp messages that our services were no longer required.
“The Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani, should address us. We want our gratuities, while our April salary and one month in lieu of service should be paid.”
Another protester, Eze Chidi, a former aviation security (AVSEC) supervisor, condemned the airline management’s action against the workers, describing it as uncalled for.
Mr Chidi urged the federal government to intervene in the alleged victimisation, enslavement, exploitation and unaccountable management, among other acts.
The Dana Air management officials could not be immediately reached for comments.
The NCAA suspended the airline’s AOC on April 24 following a runway skid of its MD-82 aircraft, registration number 5N-BKI, on April 23.
The airline’s AOC was suspended to allow the NCAA to carry out a comprehensive audit of the company.
Following the ongoing audit, the airline announced in a statement on May 11 that some of its employees had been “temporarily disengaged.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
UK women, partners to get two weeks’ bereavement leave after miscarriage from next year
“From April, women and their partners will be entitled to two weeks off after any pregnancy loss,” Mr Burnham said.
Africa
Climate Change: 32 million West Africans may become refugees by 2050, says ECOWAS
ECOWAS says 32 million West Africans risk being displaced from their communities due to climate change.
States
Navy recovers 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy recovered 182,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Rivers.
Economy
Edible oil tanker drivers suspend planned strike
NUEOTDN President Ilias Aperun said the decision followed interventions by the federal government and the State Security Service (SSS).
States
Lagos APC governorship candidate Hamzat rallies voters for 2027
Mr Hamzat expressed concern about declining voter participation, noting that of the 6.2 million registered voters in Lagos in the last election, only about 1.2 million voted.
Economy
NMDPRA begins consultations on anti-competition regulations in petroleum sector
The proposed regulations are designed to address abuse of dominance and promote fair, non-discriminatory access to essential petroleum infrastructure.
