The planned strike that was scheduled to take place on 4 February has been suspended after the leadership of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and joint agency-based unions reached an agreement.
The unions comprise 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).
The union representatives made this announcement during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday following an agreement reached between national and branch officers of the unions and the management of NiMet.
However, the notice, which read until further notice, saw both sides restating the interests of NiMet workers were the focus of the discussions and negotiations.
Following negotiations that resulted in a signed agreement, both parties established timelines to address the concerns raised by the unions.
Meanwhile, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prioritising employee welfare while considering economic realities.
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Anosike acknowledged the role played by the National Officers of NiMet agency-based unions and their branches in the discussions.
While recognising that all matters have not yet been fully resolved, Anosike expressed satisfaction that the unions have agreed to defer their planned strike.
This decision allows NiMet management to continue working towards obtaining necessary federal government approvals on the outstanding issues.
The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Benjamin Nnabue, who represented the unions in the negotiations, emphasised that strikes are always a last resort.
Nnabue stated that while some of the concerns predate the current administration, government is a continuous process, and the unions remain committed to ensuring the welfare of NiMet employees.
Mr. Olusoga Adebayo, Director of Labour at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, who observed the discussions, commended the constructive approach taken by both sides.
He highlighted that through dialogue and mutual compromise, a peaceful resolution was reached.
As stated in the agreement signed by both the unions and NiMet management, all parties acknowledged that communication gaps had contributed to the delay in resolving the issues.
They committed to improving consultation and engagement mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Furthermore, both sides reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining a cooperative working relationship that supports industrial harmony and enhances employee well-being.
In a show of goodwill, the unions have agreed to put their planned strike on hold, following internal consultations with their members.
