From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)-based unions—the 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 shelved their planned strike action following a meeting with the agency’s management on Monday.
The unions had scheduled the strike to begin on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, following concerns raised two weeks ago.
However, after the meeting, held a day before the planned commencement of the strike, an agreement was reached to suspend the industrial action until further notice.
The unions’ representatives told newsmen on Monday that the postponement of the strike followed agreements reached between national and branch officers of the unions and the management of NiMet, with both sides reiterating that the interests of NiMet workers were the focus of the discussions and negotiations.
In the negotiations, which culminated in the signing of the agreement by both parties, timelines for actions were agreed upon concerning the various issues earlier raised by the unions.
In a related development, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, stated that NiMet management would 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,” he added.
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 antagonising management but usually resort to such measures 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,” he noted.
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 had been able to reach an amicable solution.
According to the agreement jointly signed by the unions and NiMet management, both parties recognised that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing the unions’ concerns and committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent a recurrence.
All parties also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a progressive partnership that enhances industrial peace and promotes the welfare of NiMet staff, while the unions agreed to postpone the industrial action until further notice as a gesture of goodwill, in consultation with their relevant organs.