AT LAST: MWUN , Shipping Companies Sign 200,000 Minimum Wages For Workers
By Roland Ekama
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and employers of labour under the auspices of Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association ( SACFEA) have signed the much talked about agreement on minimum standards of condition of service for workers in the shipping industry.
The historic agreement was facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and it’s coming after 20 years of struggle and failed negotiations.
The signing ceremony held in Lagos on Friday was witnessed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and Chief Executive Officers of major shipping companies in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the agreement as a testament to the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of workers in the industry.
Oyetola said considering the maritime industry’s crucial role in job creation and contribution to the nation’s GDP, it is important that it’s workforce are treated with dignity and provided with necessary conditions for them to thrive.
On his part, President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, pointed that the agreement is a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering dedication of members of the union and the Human Resource officials from the numerous Shipping Companies who took out time to sit at the negotiating table.
Adeyanju lauded the signing of the agreement as a significant milestone in the journey to end unfair labour practices and improve working conditions in the shipping subsector adding that minimum standard set at N200,000 will be reviewed every two years.
The unionist affirmed that: “As we celebrate this achievement, let us also remember that our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate for the right and interest of maritime Workers and the employers for peaceful industrial harmony.
“On this note I congratulate all of us and reiterate Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria assurance to continue to collaborate with all stakeholders for the benefit of the industry,”he noted.
He commended the Minister for his support and commitment to maritime workers’ welfare, which he said contributed to the historic agreement, even as he lauded members of SACFEA for their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.
On her part, Chairman of the Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers’ Association (SACFEA), Boma Alabi, disclosed that the agreed minimum standard is the highest in any industry in Nigeria.
She expressed gratitude to the Minister for his support and directive, which she said facilitated the signing of the agreement.
Alabi also acknowledged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) under Akutah’s leadership for providing a neutral platform for negotiations. even as she emphasized the interdependence of employers and workers.
“This is a social partnership for progress. We cannot do without our employers. The most valuable asset we have is our human assets, our workers. We cannot operate without our workers and without the employers. So we are partners in progress and we are glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to.”
“This minimum standard is the highest in any industry in Nigeria. We have set a standard and we will continue to cooperate and work with all stakeholders in the industry for harmony and progress and ultimately for the benefit of our country, ” she said.
Alabi expressed her commitment to continued cooperation with stakeholders to ensure harmony and progress in the industry, ultimately benefiting the country.
In his welcome address, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Pius Akutah reiterated the Minister’s emphasis on the need for stability in the sector, urging all stakeholders to work together to maintain harmony and promote progress.
He commended the minister for his commitment to the welfare of workers. Akutah also praised Adeyanju’s leadership style, which he said, contributed significantly to the success of the negotiations.
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The Council ‘s boss commended Chairman of SACFEA, and PG MWUN for their leadership and contributions to the agreement, stressing that cooperation between the labour union workers and employers is essential for growth and stability in the maritime sector.
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