SSASCGOC Maritime Seeks Stronger Ties With MWUN for Improved Workers’ Welfare

By Roland Ekama 

 

The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch on Wednesday reaffirmed its strong commitment to partnering with the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) as part of renewed solidarity for the welfare of workers at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

 

President of SSASCGOC Maritime Branch, Comrade Akinola Bodunde, gave this reassurance when he led a delegation from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) affiliate group to the national secretariat of MWUN, led by Comrade Francis Bunu, on a courtesy visit in Lagos.

 

Bodunde, who congratulated the newly elected President-General of MWUN, noted that the immediate past leadership of the union had a robust working relationship with the SSASCGOC Maritime Branch. He emphasized the importance of the new executives continuing such a positive gesture.

 

The President stated that the two unions have worked closely in negotiations with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority in the past. He stressed that maintaining continuity in these efforts would further strengthen fruitful engagement with the government.

 

Bodunde prayed that the newly elected President would take the right decisions, which, according to him, would bring peace and progress to the union and the maritime industry.

 

He also added that decision-making plays a crucial role in the success of leadership.

 

According to him, the welfare of workers should be reviewed by the management of NPA, noting that SSASCGOC Maritime would advocate for joint negotiations with MWUN to improve the lot of workers.

 

In response, Bunu assured the senior staff union of MWUN’s solidarity in ensuring better payment packages for both the NPA branch and SSASCGOC Maritime.

 

Bunu called on the leadership of the Trade Unions, including NLC and TUC, to rise and encourage the federal and state governments to address the hardships faced by the masses.

 

He observed that with collaborative efforts from both senior and junior staff of NPA, management would have no choice but to listen to the voice of the workers.

 

The PG commended the SSASCGOC Maritime Branch executives for their maturity and wealth of experience in ensuring industry harmony within the port sector. He affirmed that the new administration would work closely to build on the existing relationships established by past leaders.

 

He concluded by stating that the NPA branch of MWUN and the national executives would continue to brainstorm and develop modalities for engaging management, with support from SSASCGOC Maritime.