Aviation workers’ unions have issued a stern warning to the management of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) over its alleged failure to implement the new minimum wage agreement and address several pending labor-related issues.
The threat, jointly made by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), was contained in a strongly worded letter to NiMet.
According to the unions, NiMet has failed to fulfill the terms of a collective agreement signed on January 28, 2025. Key among the grievances is the agency’s refusal to negotiate or implement agreed allowances by the end of February 2025.
The unions also accused the agency of ignoring a 25% to 35% wage increment, withholding the 40% peculiar allowance, and failing to clear nine months’ worth of arrears related to the 2019 minimum wage adjustment.
In addition, the unions expressed disappointment over the continued exclusion of 30 employees who were previously omitted from the 2019 minimum wage payment list.
“We are deeply disheartened that management has reneged on the commitments made in the agreement signed with our unions,” the letter stated.
“One and a half months after the agreement, not only has management failed to begin negotiations or implementation, but it has also failed to provide any reasonable explanation for the delay.”
The unions further accused NiMet of withholding copies of the agreement from the signatory unions, raising suspicions of foul play.
They also criticized management for neglecting the critical issue of salary relativity, despite receiving support from the Minister, and for prioritizing frequent executive retreats over capacity building and training for staff in Grades Level 10 to 14.
“Rather than proceeding with scheduled training for staff, management is organizing yet another retreat—despite having just returned from a post-budget retreat and having held another late last year.”
The unions described these actions as “flagrant violations” of a duly signed collective bargaining agreement and warned that the patience of workers is wearing thin.
“Given the significant effort and goodwill shown by our unions to suspend an earlier planned strike, it is truly regrettable that NiMet management has chosen to squander this opportunity to build trust,” the letter concluded.
Unless the agency takes immediate corrective action, the unions say industrial action is imminent.
