ECONOMIC HARDSHIP: SSASCGOC , Maritime Workers’ , Kick Against Hike In PMS

The sudden increase in the price of petrol by the federal government in collaboration with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is a serious concern to everybody in the country, the Senior Staff Association and Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch and the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have jointly frowned at.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) affiliates lamented that the timing and magnitude of the increases, in the absence of any meaningful social security measures, demonstrate a tack of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerians.

According to a statement signed by
Comrade Akin Bodunde, President SSASCGOC, Maritime Branch on Thursday, stated that “To worsen matters, our union is still in the process of negotiating the new minimum wage even as the NLC and TUC are jointly battling the Federal Government over electricity tariff increases of 250 percent, a service that is essential for the survival of the poorest in our society.

Bodunde noted that the two house unions of NPA join the two labour centers to condemn the indiscriminate increase, noting that the house unions in NPA, are ever ready to join them for any necessary action at any time to reverse the arbitrary increases.

The SSASCGOC Maritime boss further maintained that “We, the Unions, remain committed to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian Ports Authority workers and will continue to advocate for policies that promote social justice, fair wages, and a decent work environment.

“We understand the challenges NPA workers have been facing in making sure they come to work daily and the general pressure they face on a daily basis is also noted.

“This is to assure you that we are solidly with you and behind you in rectifying this social anomaly.,”he noted.

However, Bodunde noted that the unions are 100% ready to partner with management to improve revenue and block all leakages for better performance..

“While waiting for negotiations to commence, we were served another increase of fuel prices. We urge management to urgently commence the process of new wage structure without further delay. We believe in the present management capacity and the promise made to improve workers’ welfare.

“We have also given the management time to resolve the federal government policy of 50/50, failure, which may result in a serious industrial action by the union. The union is 100% ready to partner with management to improve revenue and block all leakages for better performance.,” the SSASCGOC Maritime boss stressed.

He also appealed workers from the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA to be patient with present management despite the economic hardship.

“We appeal to our workers to be patient with the present management because we believe they will do well. May God bless Nigerian Ports Authority and all the employees. Solidarity forever.”, he said.