Date: 2015-11-13

The Lawmaker representing Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives and Chairman of House Committee on Justice, Rt. Hon. Razak Atunwa has moved the House of Representatives to speedily investigate the apparent discriminatory treatment of Nigerian cabin crew of the Virgin Atlantic Airways.

The motion was unanimously passed by the House.

In the motion, Atunwa emphasized the need for equitable treatment of Virgin Atlantic Nigerian crew who are being made compulsorily redundant without adequate compensation. However, its U.K. crew have the options of continuing in lesser roles, part-time work, or voluntary redundancy from April 2016 or October 2016.

On the contrary, the Nigerian crew are to be made compulsorily redundant by 30th of November, 2015. They were notified by letter on 3rd of November, 2015, giving only 3 weeks notice. Shockingly, Virgin Atlantic is keeping other international cabin crew such as Shanghai, Hong Kong and Delhi.

The reason given for dismissing all its Nigeria crew is "to reduce complexity in our operations". This is appears to be a crass and most untenable excuse.

We must consistently protect the rights of Nigerian employees of foreign companies operating in Nigeria because they deserve fair treatment. House Committee on Aviation and Committee on Labour and Employment will investigate and report in to the House in two weeks.