Aviation Workers Unions Threaten FG With Strike Over Unresolved Welfare Issues

By Oluronke Kuku

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees Association of Nigeria (AUPCTRE), and the Aviation Professionals Association (ANAP) have issued a sterned warning to the management of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), threatening the Federal government to embark on an industrial action over unresolved welfare issues. 

In a joint letter dated 21st January, 2025, the Unions accused NiMet’s Management of neglecting the pressing needs of its workforce despite several appeals.

The Unions outlined a series of critical issues that are yet to be addressed, including the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, the non-payment of nine months’ arrears in relation to the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, and the failure to review the Agency’s Conditions of Service, as directed by the Minister of Aviation. 

Other grievances included the non-payment of allowances such as the 40% peculiar allowance, the 25-35% wage award, hardship allowances as well as the lack of action to aid the transition from the CONMETSS.

The Unions states that despite numerous efforts to resolve these issues amicably, NiMet authorities has failed to take the necessary steps to rectify the situation, further worsening the suffering of its workers.

In a final attempt to pressure the agency into action, the unions have issued a 14-days ultimatum, set to expire on February 4, 2025. “If the issues remained unresolved by then, the unions vows to initiate a full withdrawal of services, beginning from 6:00am on the specified date. This action could potentially disrupt vital meteorological services that support the aviation sector and national safety.

The Unions’ leaders, Comrade Ocheme Aba (NUATE), Comrade Sikiru Waheed (AUPCTRE), and Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu (ANAP) warned that the industrial action would continue until the workers’ demands are met. The ongoing standoff between the Unions and NiMet’s management could escalate into a full-scale strike, adding to the growing tensions in Nigeria’s aviation industry.