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AVIATION workers’ unions yesterday protested against alleged anti-labour activities and unpaid benefits at Caverton Helicopters in Lagos.
The protesters, drawn from the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), expressed grievances over management’s refusal to pay disengaged workers agreed benefits.
The protests, which started as a peaceful demonstration by some of the affected workers at the company’s gate, escalated when Caverton allegedly invited Rapid Response Squad (RRS) officials to dismiss the protesters.
It was learnt that in the process, some of the workers were injured, which upset the unions to mobilise for full protests.
The development, however, took its toll on the airport corridor, with the protesters blocking access to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and creating chaos for several hours.
Caverton Helicopters declared some workers in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt stations redundant in February, with a promise pay their benefits by March 29. The airline, however, reneged on the agreement, though made part payment to a few workers.
Efforts to get Caverton’s response to were not successful as at press time.
