The effect of the Coronavirus pandemic has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian aviation sector. Last week, Nairametrics reported that while some local airlines had told their staff not to expect April salary, some slashed salaries by 50% or more, and others told 90% of their workers to embark on unpaid leave.
In separate interviews, some of the victims admitted to Nairametrics that they envied their colleagues working with International airlines that operate in Nigeria. One of them, who preferred anonymity, said, “I envy a friend that joined Turkish Airlines recently. Barely, four months that he joined, he was promoted with a 20% salary increase. People working with local airlines would bear the brunt, as our counterparts still have job security.”
Little did he know that providence had other plans for the staff of Turkish Airlines. To their dismay, the management of the airline sent a mail to all staff (about 100) on April 23, 2020, to break the news that shook them all.
In the letter, the airline stated that from April 1, 2020, salaries of all senior staff (Manager and above) would be slashed by 55% and their junior colleagues should only expect 70% of their salaries. That is not all. A great number of the workers in Lagos and Port Harcourt, Rivers State were relieved of their duties, while some were forced to embark on unpaid leave. These directives will be effective until further notice.
One of the staff based in Lagos, who prefers anonymity, told Nairametrics that he was devastated when he read the mail. According to him, he knew the Nigerian market was not isolated from the global trend and he also knew that the lockdown would affect the airline to a certain degree, but not to the extent of losing his job when he had just gotten married recently.
READ MORE: Airlines cut down flights due to COVID-19 outbreak, many may lose their jobs
He lamented, “I am confused and sad not just because of the effect of the lockdown, but the management had promised that none of us would be sacked and already prepared our minds ahead for the salary cut. I don’t really know where to turn or what the future holds for my family.”
Another staff, who also pleaded anonymity, alleged that it appeared that the management was confused, as he picked holes in the letter sent to the staff, which was seen by Nairametrics. According to him, on one hand, the company stated they should all embark on unpaid leave, while on the other, it added that some of the leave days would be paid for.
“When I spoke with my colleagues in Abuja, I found that they were not asked to go on unpaid leave but only their salaries were cut by 55% and 30%. What we do not understand is that the stated four conditions in the letter only affected staff in Lagos and Port Harcourt. We have reported the case to Abuja and Headquarters but no response,” he said.
What the mail says:
The mail, which was signed by one Saygılarımla, stated, “Following the reported cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worldwide including Nigeria, Turkish Airlines Management has issued a directive and allow employees to work from home.
“Suspending flights to all Turkish Airlines international network until further notice has led to an overwhelming reduction of business income. After considering all possible options, the Company has concluded that there is considerable risk that it will be unable to meet its recurrent expenses and it is, therefore, necessary to consider immediate cost-cutting measures to address the reduced cash flow.
“The Company wishes to avoid taking any terminations or redundancies so far as possible and would like as much as possible to arrive at any cost-cutting measure having consulted with all employees to arrive at an amicable decision.
“Company is now asking you to accept voluntarily the all following immediate cost-cutting choices of Temporarily proceeding on unpaid leave; Temporarily agreeing to a 30% salary reduction beginning 1 April; Temporarily working on a part-time basis; Utilizing all accumulated and available leave days as necessary.
“The above measures are intended to be temporary as the situation surrounding the current ascertained and it is hoped that all payments and benefits shall be restored as soon as normal business operations resume.
“We note that the above measures may not seem ideal to all employees and some may seek to retain the current status quo by retaining full salaries, benefits and leave days. However, please note that these measures are being proposed in order to maintain the viability of the business operations of the Company and maintaining the status quo at the moment may not be possible.”
READ MORE: British Airways beats FAAN’s deadline, relocates to Nnamdi Azikiwe’s new terminal
Turkish Airlines may not be the last among international airlines operating in Nigeria to take such measures. There are indications that South Africa Airways may soon dismiss its staff in Nigeria due to some liquidity issues, which were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A few weeks ago, the state-owned carrier, suffered the latest in a series of financial setbacks after the government rejected a request by practitioners administering a restructuring of the airline for an additional 10 billion rand ($526 million) in funding.