NiMET Workers Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Arrears

NiMET Workers Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Arrears....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Aviation Unions, represented by the National Union of Air Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (NUATE), Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations (AUPC), and the Technical and Recreational Employees, have issued a directive for staff members of the Nigeria Meteorology Agency (NiMET) to initiate a strike starting from Monday, May 20, 2024………..CONTINUE READING

This decision, conveyed in a letter dated May 14, 2024, arises from the management’s failure to resolve 45 months of minimum wage arrears and consequential adjustments for the workforce. The letter, jointly signed by the three General Secretaries – Ocheme Aba, Abdulrasaq Seidu, and Waheed Sikiru – addressed NiMET’s Director General, Prof Charles Anoske, regarding the non-payment issue under the subject line “Re: Failure to Pay 45-Month Arrears of Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment—14 days ultimatum.”

Although an ultimatum was initially given, management responded by agreeing to settle the arrears in installments. However, the unions claim that this commitment was merely a ploy to avert strike action, as the payments ceased after three months, leaving a balance of forty-two (42) months.

Furthermore, they highlighted the delay in disbursing government-approved palliatives since October 2023, as well as the non-reflected 25-35 percent salary increase and exclusion from peculiar allowances. Despite a joint letter dated April 4, 2024, requesting a review of outdated conditions of service, the management has yet to respond.

The unions expressed deep concern about the dire financial situation faced by NiMET staff, asserting that the prolonged neglect from management and unions’ tolerance of such conditions are unacceptable. Consequently, they directed all staff to cease services effective Monday, May 20, 2024, unless the outstanding 42 months arrears of consequential adjustment are fully settled, NiMET’s salary structure is aligned with the approved Federal Government structure, and a timeline is set for reviewing and actualizing the outdated conditions of service in collaboration with the unions.

The unions remain hopeful that their grievances will be addressed promptly to avert the impending industrial action.

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