Maritime workers under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) on Thursday, raised the alarm that a foreign shipping company, Hull Blyth Shipping Company is engaging in casualisation of Nigerian workers at Nigerian Ports.
This is even as the Unions lamented the refusal of Hull Blyth Shipping Company to abide by the newly signed N200,000 minimum wage agreement reached with members of the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Association (SSACFA).
Speaking during the media briefing held in Lagos, President-General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju stated, “It is with deep sense of duty and responsibility that we stand before you today as the leadership of the two-house Unions In the maritime sector, that Is the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporation and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), to address you on the state of the maritime sector In Nigeria.
“This is especially important now in view of the strategic and serious role our sector plays in determining and facilitating the economy of our nation’s local and international trade.
“Affirming our cardinal goals of commitments to unity, progress, and relentless pursuit of better working conditions for our members, we are proud to announce the ground-breaking achievement of securing a minimum condition of service for our shipping branch members.
“This landmark event was made possible by the interventions of well-meaning Nigerians notably, the immediate past Minister of Transportation; Alhaji Muazu Sambo, the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as past and present Executive Secretary/Chief Executives Officers of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime and Barrister Pius Ukeyima Akutah.
“Worthy of mention is the role of members of Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Association, and other well-meaning stakeholders who united to put an end to this Injustice which had plagued the shipping sector for more than a decade.
“This landmark agreement stands as a testament to the commitment of those vested with our welfare, They have shown commitment to fair treatment of maritime workers whilst elevating industry standards.
“However, it is with a sense of disappointment that we bring to the attention of the general public, the unfortunate denouncement of this landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by Hull Blyth Shipping Company and Its blatant refusal to abide by Its provisions.
“We must state here that Hull Blyth is known for its 100 percent entrenched casualization of its workforce. This company solely depends on outsourcing all its operational processes. It is also known for repatriating the company’s huge profits back to its home country.
“We therefore wish to use this medium to sound a note of warning to Hull Blyth management that the union will resist this action, with all it would take, including closing down all ports, terminals, Jetties and oll and gas platforms nationwide should this blatant disregard for the CBA agreement persist.”
Also speaking, the President of SSASCGOC, Comrade Akinola Bodunde called for more funding for the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to avert accidents on the nation’s inland waterways.
In the words of Comrade Bodunde, “In light of the tragic accident and incessant loss of life on our inland waterways, we urgently appeal to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, to provide Increased funding for NIWA ably led by Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.
“We believe that such funding will ensure NIWA Is well-equipped with necessary machinery, personnel, and sundry resources to enable it to enforce robust safety measures and prevent future occurrence of such accidents.
“Protecting the lives of those who rely on our waterways Is a matter of utmost importance and should be met with corresponding urgency.
“Another pressing concern that we must raise is the delay In finalizing the pensions for our aged seafarers from the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).
“The Union implores the committee tasked with pension verification to submit its report promptly to allow for the timely disbursement of these long-overdue pensions. Many of these retired workers are In dire need, and we will not rest until their rightful benefits are delivered”.
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