Accra, Nov. 18, GNA - Workers of Aviance Ghana Limited, ground operators at the Kotoka International Airport, have filed a writ at the High Court questioning the suspension of five of them and the dismissal of 10 others.

The writ filed at Tema by Joseph Nii Moi, Edward Abbah and 305 others is seeking a declaration that the suspension of five workers and dismissal of 10 others was null, void unlawful and of no legal effect. The workers are seeking damages for wrongful dismissal and an order of injunction restraining Aviance Ghana Limited from suspending and dismissing workers in bad faith.

The writ filed by counsel of the workers, Mr E.K. Jones-Mensah said the letter issued by Aviance Management suspending them did not comply with the disciplinary procedures contained in Collective Bargaining Agreement.

It said the plaintiffs were not afforded the opportunity to defend themselves adding, "the suspension period was at large and not restricted to the 10 days period required under the Collective Bargaining Agreement."

The writ said the 10 workers were on or about October 27 each served with dismissal letters by the Management citing an illegal strike action they undertook.

"Plaintiffs challenge the legal validity of the said dismissals as null and void and unlawful in as much as (they) were each not given an opportunity to defend themselves as required under the CBA". Workers of Aviance in October went on strike in a dispute over salary and working conditions that froze work on flights for several hours.

The strike was called off after the intervention of high-powered delegation from the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.