Despite Owing 3 Months Workers Salary , Banarly Fishing Coy Sacks Ten Seafarers , As Union Kicks

Apparently displaying anti labour practice against its workers, management of Banarly Nigeria Limited, has disengaged  crew members aboard a fishing trawler  HRV Il without due diligence, findings have revealed.

The seafarers’ numbering a total of ten were disengaged by management of the fishing company on the 27th of November 2023.

It was gathered that the fishing company has allegedly refused to pay the sailors for three months , despite their voyage at sea fish hunting.

Checks further disclosed that management of Banarly also fined the crew  4 million naira for the alleged crime and that the  10 crew collective salary is not up to 4 million in a year.

According to the Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Senior Staff Association NMNOWTSSA, captain of the trawler vessel had taken responsibilities of the offence committed by the crew but management insisted that their  contracts should be terminated.

Our correspondent also gathered that the fishing company had recently sack some seafarers’ aboard one of the trawler, specifically,Olokun iii .

The NMNOWTSSA in a statement sighted by our correspondent weekend, expressed concerns over the reoccurring incidence by the high-handedness of Banarly management adding that the company’s policy on staff  should not be seen as anti labour , slavish and trapping on the dignity and rights Nigerian Marine fishers.

Whilst giving background knowledge that led to the sailors dismissal, the statement title ” ” Termination Of Employment Of All The Crew On Board HRV II,  and signed by Comrade John Okpono Aleakhue dated 1st December 2023, said that “Prior to this time their salaries have been withheld since September, 2023, and the offence for which they are made to collectively suffer was committed by Captain on board HRV II .

“Information reaching us revealed that the crew onboard  the vessels were first time offenders.

However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate group has called on management of the fishing company for dialogue in furtherance to achieve a win win solution into the issue .

“Though we are taken aback by the complaints because we just resolved similar issue onboard O!okun Ill, we are concerned that reoccurring incidence like this may provoke low staff morale.

“We must reiterate that Banarly policy on staff management should not be seen as slavish, anti — labour and trapping on the dignity and rights of Nigerian Marine Fishers in your organization.

“In view Of the above, we request a meeting for next week to hear your management side of the story and put head together for a win — win solution.’

Meanwhile , management of Banarly Nigeria Limited declined comments when our correspondent attempted to make inquiry about the sacked sailors at the company’s entry point at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal , Phase 1 Lagos .

However, an internal memo from the company over the termination of the ten seafarers’ appointment reads that” You would recall that you were personally and severally queried on the 18th of September 2023 regarding the entire crew’s operational misconduct while on a voyage with FT HRV II which occasioned the company’s huge loss as well wasting of operational cost of the vessel on that voyage.

“Recall too that as a result of your representations to management in response to this query which was rejected- management gave the entire crew members more than six weeks to mitigate these losses to no avail.

“In view of the above management has decided to terminate your appointments with effect from today, Monday 27th November 2022..