UPDATE: APM. Terminals Apapa Expresses Regrets Over MWUN Strike Actions

By Roland Ekama

 

Port concessionaire  , APM. Terminals Apapa has expressed shock over members of  the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) unexpected grounding of operational activities at its facilities on Wednesday.

 

The terminal operator while reacting in a statement sighted by our correspondent noted that the action embarked upon by the union will affect vessels turnaround and cargo clearance from the terminals.

 

The statement stressed that there are ongoing deliberations and discussions between the management and the labour union in the hopes of reaching an alignment as quickly as possible.

 

The statement with heading Notice of Labour Action In APM.Terminals Apapa as at  12:05 pm on Wednesday and addressed to customers said”This is to inform you that APM Terminals Apapa dock employees have currently embarked on a strike this morning.

 

“This action is regrettable because the strike began unexpectedly.

 

“We recognize that the action would impact our customers, Vessel, and the terminal; as most operations are impacted by the union’s strike action, causing operational disruptions

as a consequence of the lockout.

 

“However, be assured that there are ongoing deliberations and discussions between the management and the labour union in the hopes of reaching an alignment as quickly as possible.

 

“With your unwavering support, we will do whatever we can to minimize the impact of the labour action and also keep you abreast of developments,”the statement stressed.

 

Recall that barely 24 hours after issuing a three day extension to the warning strike, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Wednesday halted port operations at APM.Terminals Apapa over issues of poor renumeration of workers at the facilities.

 

Top executives of the union led President General MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and other members  of the Dockworkers Branch were in front of the entry points of the terminals.

 

They insisted that management of  APM.Terminals are taking Nigerian labour workers for a ride hence the need the demonstration.

 

APM.Terminals has been barricaded with workers instructed to stop operations and leave the facilities immediately.