…By Larry John for TDPel Media. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has taken a decisive step in response to ongoing concerns about poor pay packages and the welfare of employees within shipping companies.
Following a prolonged dispute, the union has issued a directive for all workers to cease operations and commence an indefinite nationwide strike starting from Monday.
Lingering Dispute Over Poor Pay Packages:
MWUN’s President-General, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, expressed his frustration during a briefing on Thursday, highlighting the union’s longstanding battle with shipping companies since 2018.
The primary point of contention has been the minimum standard for worker welfare, an issue that has remained unresolved despite multiple interventions by the previous Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo.
Multinationals’ Resistance and Modern-Day Slavery:
Prince Adewale Adeyanju expressed disappointment in the refusal of shipping companies, particularly multinational corporations, to address the concerns raised by the union.
This unwillingness to take action has led to a deteriorating working environment, with the conditions for workers in Nigeria’s shipping industry being likened to modern-day slavery.
Conclusion:
With the MWUN’s decision to initiate a nationwide strike, the plight of maritime workers in Nigeria is brought to the forefront.
The demand for improved pay packages and better welfare conditions aims to combat the perceived exploitation and ensure a fair and just working environment for employees within the shipping industry.