MWUN To Tour Egyptian Seaports Last Quarter Of 2023, Announces Africa Single CBA For Dockers

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has disclosed plans to tour notable seàports in Egypt before the end of fourth quarter 2023.

This move was against the backdrop of a visit by executives of Egyptian labour group under the auspices of Maritime Workers’ Union of Egypt who were in Nigeria on a courtesy visit.

The President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Dr. Adewale Adeyanju who gave the assurances to tour the Pharaoh’s owned nation’s  seaports and engage the affiliate International Transport Federation ITF in  Egypt labour related issues for the continent announced that a single Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is underway for Africa.

Adeyanju made the announcement when management of MWUN visited Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT) over weekend in company of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Egypt executives who are in Nigeria on a courtesy visit.

The President General called on management of LFT to allow members of the union who are employees the opportunity to travel to Egypt when the time comes, adding  that a tour to foreign ports by some of the workers  would further expose them to the peculiarities of standards operating procedure in port terminal activities.

He stated that the single CBA processing is underway, adding that International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and terminal operators in the country are aware of the development.

The PG however did not state the actual date of commencement of the single CBA but maintained that the process had commenced.

His words, “CBA is about to be centralized that we will have single CBA in Africa. The process is ongoing at ITF and with all the terminal operators

“The work you are doing here is the same they are doing in Egypt and our workers here can compare to Egypt. We are about to have what we call single CBA.

“I have an opportunity from my leaders from Egypt to let you know what is about to happen.

“I want to thank all the workers in LFT, I like the way and manner you believe in your leaders and I can assure you 5hat your CBA is ongoing and everybody should continue to pray because you are going to see a beautiful package.

“We will not allow them to use us as soldier hire, your CBA will commensurate with other terminals.

“Don’t mind what you are hearing from the bush radio, the management has the right to bring anyone they like as their CEO but the important thing is that the rights of workers should not be mortgaged. Don’t entertain any fear, we are on course with your management for your CBA.

“If you have any problem, meet your leaders. You are going to get your rights from the union.

“I thank my national officers who are with me here this morning, do not entertain any fear. The era of intimidation victimisation has gone only be good workers and we will support your course.

Earlier, the MWUN boss appreciated the gestures of the visitors, management of LFT for prompt response to calls by the union.

He said that the understanding showed by the management of Lekki Freeport Terminal had made it possible for peaceful coexistence between the two organisations.

“My request is to ask the management of LFT that when we are about going to Egypt, the workers of their place should not be left out of that journey including the management because it is very important.

“Since this port was commissioned, you are the first workers allowed to enter this place.”

The General Manager, Government Relations & Security of LFT, Fubara Awanta in his welcome speech, lauded the union and the visitors saying the Egyptian unionists were the first workers to visit the facility.

Awanta noted that the port operator and the union has a robust working relationship since the completion of port, pointing out that the LFT is open for business with the foreigners.

The visitors led by Comrade Mohammed Hassan Mohamed Khalifa, Deputy President General of Maritime Workers’ Union of Egypt, appreciated the warn reception of MWUN and the terminal, described the facility as one of the bests in Africa.

They appreciated the cordial relationship between the union and the terminal management saying both organisations are strong institutions

 

He averred that MWU of Egypt is part of the ITF that has been fighting for the welfare of workers globally.

“This port is considered as one of the best in Africa. The management is strong and that leadership is a strong one that is why there is peace between them.

“ITF is a great organisation fighting for Workers’ rights, it is our joy to be members. I will like to bring the greetings of the president who is not here.

“Nigeria and Egypt are great countries, they both have natural resources, we have high population of younger people, we hope that this visit will bring a lot of solidarity between Egyptian and Nigerian workers.”

Other members of the Egyptian union delegation are; Comrade Ahmed Helmy Ahmed Abdelrahman, Comrade Fahmy Award Mohamed Elsheshtwy Sakr, Mr. Mahmoud Fouad Mahmoud and Mr. Tarek Gad Aly Abdelrehim.

The foreign unionists who spoke in Arabic  also took turn to express their satisfaction of the new port in Lagos, through an interpreter ,  even as they promised to invite executives of the union to visit some of the notable ports in Egypt, specially the Suez Canal.

 

By Roland Ekama