The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has made an announcement that they will initiate a shutdown of port operations starting from Monday, June 5, 2023.
The reason behind this decision is the refusal of shipping companies' management to engage in discussions regarding the welfare and working conditions of their employees.
Adewale Adeyanju, the President-General of the union, expressed his concerns to journalists during a press conference held at the union's office in Apapa, Lagos. He explained that numerous attempts had been made to address the welfare issues through interventions and discussions, but the management of shipping companies failed to provide a long-term solution.
Due to the uncooperative behavior of the shipping companies' management, the union initially issued a 14-day ultimatum, which expired without a resolution. Subsequently, a 7-day ultimatum was given in response to the conduct of the shipping companies.
Adeyanju reminded everyone that the union had previously threatened to disrupt operations of both the shipping companies and the entire ports due to alleged anti-labor practices. These practices included inadequate salaries, retirement benefits, and poor working conditions experienced by union members nationwide.
In his statement, Adeyanju said, "The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) would like to express its astonishment at the indifferent attitude of shipping companies' management towards discussing and negotiating the welfare and conditions of service for our members in the shipping industry.
Despite numerous interventions and meetings aimed at resolving the outstanding welfare issues, a further 7-day ultimatum has been issued after the expiration of the previous 14-day ultimatum."
He further mentioned that the Minister of Transportation had directed the Nigerian Shippers Council to facilitate a collective bargaining meeting between MWUN and all shipping companies in Nigeria, in an effort to promote a peaceful industrial climate. However, the representatives of the shipping companies deliberately hindered the negotiation process, claiming a lack of mandate from their respective principals and insisting on maintaining the status quo.
Given the reluctance of the shipping employers to engage in negotiations for minimum standards and conditions of service for their members in the shipping sector, MWUN has decided to reinstate the earlier 7-day ultimatum issued to the shipping employers.
Consequently, the union will withdraw the services of its members, including those in the Dock, Seafarers, and NPA, from all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms nationwide, starting from Monday, June 5, 2023.
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