Aviation workers announce strike over NIMet’s ‘breach of agreement’

Aviation sector workers have announced plans to embark on industrial action against the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMet), citing the agency’s alleged failure to negotiate and implement new allowances as previously agreed.

In a letter addressed to the Director-General of NIMet, the unions representing the workers stated that nationwide operations would be suspended beginning April 16.

The letter was jointly signed by Ochema Aba, General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Abdul Rasaq Saidu, Secretary-General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP); and Sikiru Waheed, General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).

According to the unions, NIMet has failed to act on commitments outlined in a collective bargaining agreement signed on January 28, particularly regarding negotiations and implementation of a proposed allowance, which was expected to be concluded by the end of February.

“Over six weeks later, management has neither initiated negotiations nor provided any explanation for the delay,” the statement read.

The unions also expressed frustration over the lack of progress on several other critical issues, including the 25–35% wage award, a 40% peculiar allowance, the outstanding nine-month balance of the 2019 minimum wage, and the omission of 30 names from that payment.

“Despite repeated requests, management has refused to provide our unions—who are signatories to the agreement—with copies of the negotiated conditions of service document that was supposedly forwarded to the Ministry for processing,” the unions alleged.

They further criticized NIMet for its perceived lack of urgency regarding salary relativity, a matter they said had received the backing of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.

While acknowledging the commencement of training for officers in Grade Levels 08 and 09, the unions expressed disappointment that management had shifted focus toward organizing another retreat rather than continuing with training for GL10–14 officers.

“These continuous violations of a signed Collective Bargaining Agreement are deeply concerning,” the unions said. “Given the sacrifices our unions made to avert an earlier strike, it is regrettable that NIMet’s management has so quickly exhausted our goodwill.”

They have instructed all NIMet branches and state councils across the country to resume full mobilisation in preparation for the strike action.