Maritime workers give Chevron 21-day ultimatum over unionism

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued oil giant; Chevron Nigeria Limited a 21 day’s ultimatum over what the union described as failure to agree with the union on unionisation.

The MWUN, in a letter written to Chevron and addressed to its Managing Director, pointed at the oil giant’s persistent refusal to submit the list of all its contractors for the purpose of enlisting their employees as members of the union.

In the letter which was dated February 18, 2019, and signed by the Secretary General of the MWUN, copy of which was made available to newsmen, the MWUN noted that efforts to get workers in Chevron into the union have been frustrated by the oil company.

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Recalling that the union has been on the fight to unionise Chevron for a long time, the letter noted that: “Reference is made to a tripartite meeting held on Thursday 24th November, 2016 between the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and your management at the NIMASA Zonal office , Warri, Delta state where your management was mandated to submit to NIMASA and the union, the comprehensive list of all maritime companies providing you with marine services for the purpose of unionisation of their employees”.

The MWUN, in the letter expressed frustration and disappointment at the refusal of Chevron to comply with the directive, even though it was given almost three years ago. “We are therefore constrained to issue a 21-day ultimatum effective Wednesday 20th February, 2019 within which it is expected to receive the list”.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Director General of NIMASA, Managing Director of NPA, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State as well as Director Department of State Service (DSS), Lagos.