MWUN Threatens Shutdown Of Crown Flour Mills Over Worker Unionization Rights

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has issued a stern warning to Crown Flour Mills Plc, Lagos, threatening to shut down its operations over the company’s refusal to allow unionization of its port workers.

In a statement signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media for MWUN, the union highlighted that for the past 22 years, Crown Flour Mills has operated within the port premises while consistently denying its workers the right to unionize under MWUN.

Despite the workers being officially classified as maritime workers, access to union representation has been blocked.

This ongoing denial has subjected Crown Flour Mills employees to oppressive and suppressive working conditions over more than two decades.

Comrade Bunu expressed deep disappointment that such labor rights violations still persist today, especially in an era emphasized by global workers’ rights and labor initiatives.

The MWUN President vowed to ensure the unionization of Crown Flour Mills workers. He warned that if management continues to resist, the union would have no choice but to withdraw all services provided by Crown Flour Mills staff at the ports.

He emphasized that no legitimate maritime union would accept another union’s attempt to represent workers within its jurisdiction.

Comrade Bunu also referenced a successful unionization effort in Warri, Delta State, asserting that Lagos ports must follow suit and uphold robust labor practices rather than being an exception.