Why we suspended strike - Maritime Workers

Abiola Seun

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has suspended the three days industrial action embarked on Wednesday.

In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the President General of the Union; Adewale Adeyanju and the Secretary General; Felix Akingboye, the union said it decided to suspend the strike to pave way for discussions and negotiations with concerned stakeholders.

The union said the strike is suspended pending the outcome of the meeting scheduled to take place next week between the managements of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.

In the statement, the MWUN also acknowledged the adverse effect that the strike had on the economy, even as it stressed that it has concern for major stakeholders who are not in any way involved by the actions of the International Oil Companies.

“We have noted with grave concern that some major stakeholders in the industry who are not in any way involved on why the Union embarked on a strike action are adversely affected in their operations.

“However, arising from the intervention of the Permanent Secretaries, Federal Ministries of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment, some notable Stakeholders especially, the Managing Director of NPA, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman and her management team, whose two (2) weeks ultimatum to the IOCS on the same issue expires on Monday 8th July 2019, to recognise the Government appointed Stevedores and pay the Dockworkers their outstanding Wages/Salaries, the Managements of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr PetersideDakuku, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Hassan Bello and Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) Princess Vicky Haastrup”, the statement added.

“We have decided to suspend the strike action pending the outcome of the meeting scheduled to take place next week between the managements of NPA, NIMASA, NSC, NNPC and the IOCs with the leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
“We wish to appreciate the timely intervention of the leadership of Nigerian Labour Congress led by Dr Ayuba Waba (mni).We also use this opportunity to thank our sister Unions namely COMTUA, ANCLA, NAGAFf and all members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria for their solid support/solidarity whilst the action lasted,” the statement concluded.

However, the management of the NPA confirmed the suspension of the strike which paralysed activities at the seaports for three days.

In a statement by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Engr. adam Jatto, he affirmed that the issues that led to the strike are resolved amicably.

The statement reads, “the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority wishes to affirm the suspension of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) strike which entered its second day today, adding that normal Port activities have been restored and assuring of industrial peace and harmony.”

“Management regrets all inconveniences the strike might have caused Port users and other stakeholders, promising to ensure that issues that led to the strike are resolved soonest in the national interest and further enhance its mandate to deliver efficient services for customer satisfaction.”