Leadership of the unions (NUATE, AUPCTRE, and ANAP)
AT THE JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE NATIONAL UNION OR AIR TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES (NUATE), AMALGAMATED UNION OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS, CIVIL SERVICE TECHNICAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES (AUPCTRE) AND ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA AVIATION PROFESSIONALS (ANAP) ON THE URGENT NEED FOR SALARY RELATIVITY AND OTHER MATTERS AT THE NIGERIAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY (NIMET) AT AUPCTRE HEADQUARTERS IN ABUJA ON MONDAY, 03/02/25.
After a successful dialogue with the management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), unions in the Aviation Industry have resolved to postpone the proposed strike meant to address the poor welfare treatment meted to their members in the agency.
The agency-based unions under the aegis of 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), after an agreement with the NiMet management announced they were putting off the planned strike action by scheduled to begin today, Tuesday, 4th of February 2025.
At a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, 3rd February 2025, the unions’ representatives announced that the postponement of the strike action followed agreements reached between national and branch officers of the unions and the management of NiMet, which saw 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 of actions were agreed by both parties on the various issues raised by the unions.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, in reaction to the suspended strike 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,” he said.
The President of 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 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 pointed out.
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 recognised that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing unions’ concerns.
They committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent re-occurrence.
All parties also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a progressive partnership that enhances industrial peace and promotes the welfare of NiMet staff.
In view of this, the unions agreed to postpone the industrial action until further notice as a gesture of goodwill in consultation with their relevant organs.