Three major aviation unions have issued a stark warning to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), threatening to resume a previously suspended strike due to the agency’s alleged failure to honor a signed bargaining agreement. This development signals escalating tensions over workers’ welfare and financial entitlements.
In a letter jointly signed by the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees, the unions expressed profound disappointment in NiMet’s management. They accuse the agency of breaching the terms of an agreement reached on January 28, 2025, according to a Puch report.
“We are highly disheartened to note that the management has reneged on its promises to the workers vide the agreement it signed with our unions on 28th January 2025,” the letter stated.
Key Grievances and Unmet Promises
At the core of the unions’ discontent is the management’s alleged failure to negotiate and implement an allowance by the end of February 2025, as promised. “One and a half months later, the management refused to negotiate, let alone implement, such an allowance. And no possible explanations have been forthcoming from the management over the matter,” the unions asserted.
Further issues highlighted in the letter include:
- Withholding of the Negotiated Conditions of Service Document: Unions suspect “foul play” as they claim management has refused to share copies of the document, despite persistent requests.
- Unresolved Financial Entitlements: Concerns persist over the 25–35 percent wage increase, the 40 percent peculiar allowance, the nine months’ outstanding balance of the 2019 minimum wage, and the exclusion of 30 names from the 2019 minimum wage payment list.
- Salary Relativity and Executive Retreats: The unions criticized NiMet’s prioritization of executive retreats over training commitments for senior staff and the stalling of salary relativity negotiations, a point supported by the minister.
“These stated fragrant infractions on a duly signed collective bargaining agreement are indeed troubling and worrisome. And considering the huge effort and sacrifice invested by our unions averting an industrial crisis through the suspension of the previously scheduled strike, it is a matter of serious regret that the management has so squandered our goodwill,” the letter emphasized.
Workers’ Hardships and Financial Strain
Speaking on condition of anonymity, NiMet staff members revealed the financial hardships they endure. “I can confirm the 25–35 percent hasn’t been paid, but it has been approved, and I think we will be expecting it in April or May. Yes, it has not been paid,” one staff member confirmed.
Another employee highlighted the ongoing struggle since the 2019 minimum wage implementation. “The challenge we have is that since the 2019 minimum wage, we couldn’t get it. We got only 10 percent of that. So, they never paid us anything since 2022 when they implemented it,” the employee stated.
They further explained that partial arrears were paid in August 2024, but only covered 34 out of the 43 months owed. Also the 40,000 peculiar allowance has not been paid.
“Imagine you are one of them. They paid the rest, and you didn’t get it until today. That pain is on the ground,” the staff member added, underscoring the emotional toll.
“Our children are going to school the same way other people’s children are going. House rent too—you know what it means. That’s why we are calling on the government authority and well-meaning Nigerians to alleviate the pain. Because we are dying, and we are civil servants working for the progress of this nation,” a NiMet employee added.
Ultimatum and Potential Industrial Action
The unions have issued an ultimatum to NiMet’s management, demanding the full implementation of the agreement by Wednesday, April 6, 2025. Failure to comply will result in the resumption of the suspended strike without further notice.
“In light of the foregoing, the management is hereby given till Wednesday, April, 6, 2025, to implement all aspects of the agreement, failing which our unions shall resume the suspended strike without further notice,” the unions declared.
This situation underscores the critical need for transparent and equitable labor practices within NiMet, ensuring that the agency’s dedicated workforce is treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. The potential impact of a strike on the aviation sector remains a significant concern.
