Despite Shippers Council’s Intervention; MWUN Insists On Strike , Says IOCs Disrespectful To Govt

Despite intervention by management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to step down its planned strike action against the International Oil Companies (IOCs), the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has insisted on its action next week.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (ES/CEO) of the Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime had sought to intervene in a meeting with the union on Friday , while considering the effect on how such action would have a ripple effect on port operations and the economy at large .

Jime who pointed out that the council will not fold it’s hands while the ports are shutdown appealed to management of the union to halt the planned strike actions.

He said, “I have called the MWUN leadership because of the notice we read on the papers that you want to down tools. Our role is to make sure that there is little or no disruption in the port because one minute disruption can have a devastating effect on the economy.

“That is the core reason why we say we should have a conversation with you. We as regulators are disappointed that what has come to stay as policy is not being obeyed and we will not sit down and watch. We know the consequences of the strike.

“I want to plead with you to tarry a while as you have done in the past. Let me assure that the Council is willing and ready to move with you. If you embark on general strike, it be counter productive on the ones that are complying .

He further commended the union for the robust collaboration during the Covid19 pandemic in ensuring the sustainability of port operations despite the lockdown.

 

In his response, Adeyanju who reluctantly agreed to the plea of the Council, said he would go back to the drawing board and see what the union could do to harness the import of the meeting .

 

Fuming, he maintained that the IOCs have always disrespect the federal government directives adding that they do not have any form of regard for Nigerians despite making huge money from their country.

 

Adeyanju who assured the executive secretary of the council that he will discuss with the Central Working Committee on the outcome of the meeting and revert to management of the NSC but maintained that the decision to suspend the strike may be difficult.

 

He commended management of the NSC for stepping in as port economic regulator noting that the union will continue to partner the council.

 

Adeyanju said the union believes so much on workers and employers cordial relationship pointing out that the ultimatum is an awareness to allow stakeholders understand demands made in addressing the warning mandate.

 

He said “Nigeria comes first before any other thing . The MWUN of today have the heart of the country , we believe in this country.

What we believe as a union is sincerity of purpose.

 

“We always weigh the options available before any trade dispute. The laws of the country must be respected . Stevedoring contracts is not a job not regulated by law. It is fully regulated by laws.

 

“The IOCs have no regards for the laws of this great country. Imagine our respected Minister of Transportation at a meeting two months ago gave a directive for compliance . At the meeting we all agreed with that seven directive from the minister and three months down the line, that directive have not be adhered to.

 

“This is to tell you that the IOCs have no regard for the laws of the land.

 

 

“The only thing we can do is to tell the world that enough is enough.”

 

“We have been given mandate that the strike must commence and this is what we stand to do. The strike is imminent and they must respect the law. They are hiding so many things from Nigerians.”

 

“Come next week , we are not shifting ground and enough is enough because am a servant of the workers and we cannot travel to their own country and disrespect the laws”, Adeyanju declared.

By Roland Ekama