Maritime workers issue APMT seven-day ultimatum to stop anti- labour practices.

Segun Oladipupo

The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (WMUN) has given seven -day ultimatum to AP Moller Terminal (APMT) to reverse all the anti -union activities taking place in the organisation or risk being shut down by workers.

In a letter sent to APMT and a copy sighted by out correspondent, the Secretary General of the union, Comrade Felix Akingboye said the recent practices in the organisation are at variance with labour laws of the land.

The letter also stated that the practices by the terminal operators and shipping line is also inimical to the welfare of the workers.

According to the letter, the organisation is contracting out the security of the terminal to Tina South African company effective from March 18, 2021.

The union argued that the action contravenes clause 3 of an existing agreement with the union.

The union explained further that the development started last year when APMT refused to replace any staff of the security department that either resigned or retired.

MWUN said out- sourcing security of the port which serves as gateway into the country is dangerous and would not be condoned especially because of the insecurity in the land.

“Your employment of foreign expatriates to do that job which our members have been performing creditably is also in contravention of clause 6 of the said agreement with the union.

“Further reports are abound of your management’s indifference to workers’ welfare.

“Arising from the above, I have been directed to issue your management a 7 -day notice effective from the date of this letter within which to reverse all anti -workers activities being embarked upon by your management,” the letter read.