Management of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the agency-based unions, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), have reached an agreement to postpone till further notice today’s planned strike by the unions.
   
At a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, the unions’ representatives announced that the postponement followed agreements between national and branch officers of the unions and the management of NiMet, which saw both sides reiterating that the interests of NiMet workers were the focus of discussions and negotiations. 
 
During the negotiations which culminated in the signing of the agreement by both parties, timelines of actions were agreed by all parties on the various issues raised by the unions. 
  
NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, restated that the management will always champion the cause of workers’ welfare within realistic economic conditions.
 
“I welcome the efforts of the national officers of NiMet agency-based unions and the input of the branches. We are not over the line yet on the issues, but I am happy that we have been able to convince the unions’ leadership to postpone their planned strike action. This will enable management to continue with its ongoing efforts towards obtaining the necessary approvals from the Federal Government on the issues raised by unions,” he said. 
   
NUATE President, Benjamin Nnabue, said that the unions were not in the habit of embarking on strikes and antagonising management, but usually resort to such as a last option. 
  
“These issues with NiMet management may be inherited, but government is a continuum. Our interest is the overall welfare of the staff of NiMet,” he clarified. 
  
Director of Labour in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olusoga Adebayo, commended the spirit of ‘give and take’ that guided the discussions.  He noted that through social dialogue, both parties have been able to reach an amicable solution. 
   
According to the agreement jointly signed by the unions and NiMet management, both parties recognised that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing unions’ concerns. They committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent re-occurrence.