By Nkechi Eze
The management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the agency-based unions; National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), have agreed to put the planned strike on hold indefinitely, cancelling the scheduled February 4th, 2025 date.
This development was announced at a media briefing in Abuja earlier today, February 3, 2025. According to the unions representatives, the decision to postpone the strike follows successful negotiations that prioritized the welfare of NiMet workers.
In the negotiations which culminated in the signing of the agreement by both parties, timelines of actions were agreed by both parties on the various issues raised by the unions.
In a related development, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, has said that NiMet management will always champion the cause of workers’ welfare but within realistic economic conditions.
“I welcome the efforts of the National Officers of NiMet agency-based unions and the input of the branches. We are not over the line yet on the issues but I am happy that we have been able to convince the unions’ leadership to postpone their planned strike action. This will enable management to continue with its ongoing efforts towards obtaining the necessary approvals from the federal government on the issues raised by unions”.
The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Benjamin Nnabue, who led the negotiations on behalf of the unions said that the unions are not in the habit of embarking on strikes and antagonizing management but usually resort to such as a last option. “These issues with NiMet management may be inherited but government is a continuum. Our interest is the overall welfare of the staff of NiMet”.
The Director of Labour in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment who observed the discussions between both parties, Mr Olusoga Adebayo praised the spirit of ‘give and take’ that guided the discussions. He said that through social dialogue, both parties have been able to reach an amicable solution.
According to the agreement jointly signed by the unions and NiMet management, both parties recognized that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing unions’ concerns. They committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent re-occurrence.
All parties have reaffirmed their commitment to building a collaborative partnership that promotes industrial harmony and supports the well-being of NiMet staff. As a gesture of goodwill, the unions have agreed to put the planned industrial action on hold until further notice, following consultations with their respective organizations.
