The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has strongly contested the reasons given by Turkish Airlines for dismissing seven Nigerian staff members. The union refutes the airline’s accusation that the employees were involved in a $600,000 ticket racketeering scheme, calling it a “blatant lie.”
NUATE claims the airline’s justification for the terminations is fabricated. They explain that a conflicting sales policy created confusion. Turkish Airlines restricted premium ticket sales while simultaneously advertising lower fares unavailable online. This led frustrated customers to confront Nigerian staff who were unable to process the advertised fares due to the official restrictions.
The union argues that the disciplinary process violated established procedures and accuses the airline of attempting to dismantle the union entirely. They point to the 2020 dismissal of the entire branch executive council as evidence of this ongoing effort. NUATE suggests the recent terminations are a continuation of this strategy and not a response to legitimate wrongdoing.
Source: Business Day