Afrigather The Affiliation of Delivery Strains Brokers (SAN) has voiced its robust opposition to the Maritime Employees Union of Nigeria (MWUN)’s menace to halt operations on the nation’s seaports beginning Monday.
Talking at a press convention in Lagos, Boma Alabi, the Chairman of SAN, emphasised that shutting down the seaports wouldn’t serve the nation’s greatest pursuits. She highlighted that the affiliation has been in steady dialogue with the Maritime Employees’ Union, specializing in enhancing employees’ phrases and circumstances of service.
Alabi clarified, “The Affiliation of Delivery Strains Brokers isn’t the only employer within the maritime sector. There are numerous different stakeholders and employers of labour on this area.” She additional revealed that the latest dialogue between the 2 events occurred on the twenty ninth of September 2023.
Alabi stated, “The MWUN is pushing for brand new minimal employment requirements. Nonetheless, our members consider that the present phrases for his or her staff already surpass these proposed minimal requirements. Regardless of this, we stay receptive to discussions on viable proposals.”
Highlighting the current efforts by many corporations to supply extra assist to their employees amidst the rising gas costs and inflation, Alabi warned, “A strike within the ports at this essential juncture would adversely impression each enterprise, employee, and shopper in Nigeria, not simply the transport corporations.”
She emphasised the numerous position their members play as buyers in Nigeria’s port and logistics sector, contributing to job creation and enhancing the nation’s enterprise competitiveness. “Contemplating Nigeria’s present financial panorama and the necessity for investments, a name to close down the ports appears completely misplaced,” Alabi added.
Nonetheless, she reiterated SAN’s dedication to the welfare of its staff, expressing their readiness for constructive dialogue by means of the present Technical Committee of Employers and MWUN, overseen by the Nigerian Shippers Council.
In distinction, the Maritime Employees’ Union has remained agency in its stance. They’ve issued a seven-day ultimatum to all overseas and multinational transport corporations working in Nigeria. The union calls for a overview of its members’ entitlements, failing which they threaten to close down operations beginning Monday, thirtieth of October, 2023
