*Terminated appointments temporary, says management

No fewer than 1000 persons were affected by Dana Air’s recent termination of the appointment of workers, pending the outcome of the ongoing operational audit of the airline.

The embattled airline, whose operating licence got suspended by ministerial order, said the retrenchments were temporary, and due to the current rough patch. However, notices of disengagement suggest a permanent termination of appointments for about 1000 workers. Among them are 583 permanent members of staff and expatriates.

In an email of disengagement cited on Wednesday, the management partly stated: “We regret to inform you that your service is no longer required effective May 9, 2024.

“This difficult decision was necessitated by the unfortunate suspension of our AOC/business operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the enormous challenges the suspension continues to occasion. We take this opportunity to thank you for your contribution to the organisation during your time here with us and wish you the best in your future endeavours.”

But aviation workers’ unions have hinted at a pushback on the alleged “casual disengagement” of workers by the airline. Unionists, among whom were affected, told The Guardian that the disengagement was inhumane as “the execution of leave without pay is unacceptable and not recognised by Nigerian laws.”

A member said: “We all held a meeting where the union and staff members expressed displeasure about the inhumane handling of terminations, especially concerning outstanding April salaries. The delayed proposal for starting salary payments in four weeks is unacceptable.

“We want a mandatory negotiation for redundancy to ensure adequate severance allowances for all staff. They cannot just lay off staff without compensation. The national union demands immediate engagement with management to negotiate terms. We also asked for the proper remittance of deducted pensions and taxes before initiating any redundancies,” the unionist said.

Despite the ongoing audit by the regulators, The Guardian learnt that the disengagement is not unconnected with the dire financial situation of the airline, restructuring, and the plan to phase out the MD83 fleet in favour of acquiring B737 aircraft.

Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa, earlier explained that the decision was made “to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures”.

The management of Dana Air, according to Ezenwa, recognised the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assured that every effort was being made to resolve the situation promptly.

“Dana Air remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout this process, and while these challenges are being addressed, Dana Air has commenced talks with lessors, and is currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.

“Dana Air, therefore, urges for calm and understanding from our dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders. The management is working diligently to address any concerns, and preparing a restart plan that would ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.

“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.”