Since Monday, June 3, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has followed through with its threat to shut down port operations in Nigeria.
The reason behind the shutdown is the poor remuneration of its members in the Shipping Branch.
Since the beginning of the week, shippers and agents have arrived at the port to find the offices of Maersk, Five Star Logistics, and other service providers affected by the shutdown.
The union is protesting against the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN), the parent body of all shipping lines in Nigeria, for disregarding directives from the Federal Government and failing to improve workers' welfare over the past six years.
Adewale Adeyanju, president general of MWUN, stated that the strike action would be total, with the three other branches of the union – Dockworkers, Seafarers, and NPA Branch – joining the strike in solidarity.
Adeyanju expressed his disappointment with the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the port economic regulator, for losing control and regulatory powers over the shipping companies. He stated that the shipping companies have refused to comply with federal government interventions on the matter for the past six years.
He emphasized that several ultimatums have been issued to the shipping companies, with the union requesting a minimum standard for workers in the shipping sector.
Previously, the former Minister of Transportation, Eng Muazu Jaji Sambo, directed the NSC to facilitate the negotiation process between MWUN and the SAN. Despite numerous meetings initiated by the executive secretary of the Shippers Council, the SAN's attitude has been disappointing and an embarrassment to both the union and the Ministry of Transportation.
Adeyanju explained that the remuneration in the shipping sector is akin to a death sentence, with the SAN evading their responsibility. As a result, the Shipping Branch of MWUN will withdraw the services of its members from Nigerian seaports nationwide.
Adeyanju stressed that stakeholders are well aware of the issue, and despite previous ultimatums, attempts to resolve the matter through dialogue have been unsuccessful. Due to the sensitivity of the ports, the union has carefully considered its options, but it has reached a point where it can no longer continue issuing ultimatums.
He commended the decision to involve the NSC as an economic regulator in the negotiation process. However, the nonchalant attitude of the SAN has compelled the union to take this step, as it appears that the shipping companies consider themselves above the economic regulator.
Adeyanju concluded by emphasizing that the matter has been ongoing for the past six years. SOURCE: Daily Trend.
