Ports to shutdown as maritime workers begin strike on Monday over poor welfare

Freight forwarders under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have threatened to embark on industrial action on Monday, June 5, 2023, over the poor welfare of shipping companies in the sector.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Adewale Adeyanju, president of MWUN, said the warning strike is due to the failure of the management of shipping companies to discuss and negotiate the welfare and condition of service of its members, despite several interventions.

While stakeholders have condemned the planned strike due to its potential impact on businesses, Adeyanju said there was no going back as several meetings have been held prior, hence the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum to the shipping companies.

He said after the first ultimatum was issued, the shipping firms were still nonchalant about discussing an amicable resolution.

“MWUN wishes to bring to the attention of the general public its bewilderment at the nonchalant attitude of shipping companies’ management to discuss and negotiate the welfare and condition of service of our members in the shipping industry,” he said.

“This is in spite of several interventions and meetings which sought an amicable resolution of the unresolved welfare issues of our members in the shipping sector culminating in the issuance of a further seven-day ultimatum after the expiration of the previous 14-day ultimatum issued.

“Related to the above, the minister of transportation, in a bid to ensure a peaceful industrial climate in the shipping, sector had directed the management of Nigerian Shippers Council (NCS) to spearhead a collective bargaining meeting between MWUN and all shipping companies in Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, despite several meetings called at the instance of the shippers’ council in their premises, the shipping companies’ representatives deliberately forestalled the negotiations process citing a lack of mandate from their respective principals insisting on maintaining status-quo.

“Consequently to the foregoing and the obvious unwillingness of the shipping employers to negotiate minimum standard and condition of service for our members in the shipping sector, MWUN is left with no option than to resuscitate the earlier-seven day ultimatum issued the shipping employers in the sector; and therefore withdraw the services of our members inclusive of our members in the dock, seafarers and Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) from all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms nationwide with effects from Monday, June 5, 2023.”