The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has vehemently opposed Turkish Airlines’ accusations against seven Nigerian staff members allegedly involved in a $600,000 ticket racketeering scheme.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by Ochene Aba, NUATE’s General Secretary, the union rebuked these claims as baseless fabrications.
Turkish Airlines had previously announced the dismissal of seven Nigerian employees, citing their purported violation of ticketing reservation regulations, which reportedly resulted in substantial financial losses for the airline.
However, NUATE refuted these allegations, labeling them as “blatant and poorly formulated lies.” The union clarified that the airline’s assertion of a $600,000 loss was unfounded and lacked substantiated evidence.
According to NUATE, the airline’s headquarters had issued a sales restriction circular in April 2023, limiting ticket sales to only two premium classes in response to foreign exchange constraints in Nigeria. Despite this directive, the airline advertised fares on its website that were significantly lower than the permitted rates. Consequently, passengers unable to pay online were directed to Nigerian offices, leading to chaotic scenes and confrontations.
NUATE explained that in an attempt to address this situation, the sales manager instructed staff to process tickets using the PNR obtained online, as sanctioned by local management. Contrary to Turkish Airlines’ allegations, all ticket sales were duly accounted for, with no funds missing or misappropriated by staff members.
Moreover, NUATE criticized the airline’s disciplinary proceedings, highlighting procedural irregularities and coercion tactics employed by the General Manager, Lokman Balkan. The union asserted that the disciplinary committee lacked adherence to negotiated Conditions of Service, compromising its integrity as a fact-finding body.
The union further condemned Balkan’s conduct, denouncing his “high-handedness, plain wickedness, and undiluted arrogance.” NUATE accused Balkan of exhibiting disregard for Nigerian laws and aviation regulations, alleging a deliberate campaign to suppress union activities within the airline.
In conclusion, NUATE called for transparency and fairness in Turkish Airlines’ operations, urging stakeholders to scrutinize the airline’s actions and hold accountable those responsible for misconduct.
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