Port Operations To Face Total Shutdown , As SSASCFA Comply To Labour Directive On Mass Protest

Following directives from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for all affiliates to comply on the mass protest scheduled for August 2nd 2023(today), the Senior Staff Association of Shipping Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (SSASCFA) has ordered members in all shipping companies in Nigeria to join in solidarity support and halt port operations nationwide.

Recall that the  Workers’Union Of Nigeria (MWUN) had on Monday , commenced mobilisation of all it’s branches, affiliates and officials for the mass protest, as directed by the senior and junior organised labour groups.

But in a statement made available to DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA exclusively on Tuesday by the President General, SSASCFA, Comrade Harrison Asonye, assured  management of the shipping companies nationwide that the protest will be conducted peacefully in accordance with the laws of the land, adding that the senior staff union have the democratic right to express and   exercise their grievances and demand positive change.

The President General noted that the unprecedented increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, amounting to over 300% would affect workers in the sub sector pointing out that the alarming and abrupt surge in fuel prices has had a cascading effect on the cost of living in the country.

He reiterated that the resulting geometric increase in essential goods and services has placed an unbearable burden on the masses, including members of the union, noting that it has led to significant hardship and economic instability.

Expressing optimism of a positive result on the demonstration, Comrade Asonye affirmed that as employers who value the welfare and well-being of  employees, there was need for management of the liners in Nigeria to show concern over the socio-economic challenges posed by the sharp increase in the cost of living.

He further urged employers of labour in the shipping sub sector to understand and support workers in this endeavor.

The statement reads:”I hope this letter finds you well. As a responsible trade union affiliated to Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, I am writing to inform you about a matter of utmost importance that affects not only our members but the entire nation.

“We have been witnessing an unprecedented increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government of Nigeria, amounting to over 300%. This alarming and abrupt surge in fuel prices has had a cascading effect on the cost of living in our country.

“The resulting geometric increase in essential goods and services has placed an unbearable burden on the masses, including our members, leading to significant hardship and economic instability.

“In light of this critical situation, the organized labor unions, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have been engaged in continuous discussions and negotiations with the government to address this pressing issue. Regrettably, these dialogues have not yielded satisfactory outcomes.

“As directed by the TUC, SSASCFA has been tasked with mobilizing our members for a peaceful protest scheduled for Tomorrow, 2 nd Of August 2023. The aim of this rally is to call attention to the adverse effects of the exorbitant increase in fuel prices on the lives of ordinary Nigerians, including the members of our esteemed organizations.

“We believe that as employers who value the welfare and well-being of your employees, you share our concern over the socio-economic challenges posed by the sharp increase in the cost of living. We kindly request your understanding and support in this endeavor.

“We assure you that our protest will be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the laws of the land, as we exercise our democratic right to express our grievances and demand positive change.

“We trust that you will appreciate the significance of this issue and encourage your employees to participate in the rally.

“We hope that this demonstration of solidarity and collective action will bring about a much-needed dialogue between the government and the labor unions, leading to viable solutions that will alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and restore economic stability.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us”.

The shipping lines that were copied in the statement are; CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping, Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT), Africa Global Logistics (BOLLORE), Hullblyth Nigeria Limited,  Maerskline Nigeria Limited,Lagos And Niger Nigeria Limited (LANSAL),AGS, SGS, Mediterrean Shipping Company (MSC) and Sinomacargo.

Others are Marine Mutual, PIL, GMT, Cosco and SAIMA.