… As Ajaero gives MWUN more teeth to bite***
Labour issues that have dragged for long in the maritime industry will now receive timely action as the President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajaero gives his full backing to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to issue ultimatum on such pending labour issues.
The NLC President who was reacting to the welcome address of MWUN President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, specifically pointed to the issue of restoration of registered onboard ship gangway security and tally men (Pool System) which had been on the table, since August 2021.
Comrade Ajaero said the letter sent to the Minister of Transportation is getting to two years without response and advised that a two-week ultimatum be issued, to press the matter further.
He lamented that workers have suffered enough in the country and called for more action to press home workers’ demands.
The NLC President was on a courtesy visit to the MWUN head office in Apapa, Lagos.
In order for NLC to achieve success in its demands, he disclosed that a Picketing Committee of hefty men would be set up, to picket organisations that fail to meet workers’ demands, saying that the era of workers producing wealth and employers carrying everything away is over.
Earlier in his speech, Comrade Adeyanju said that the NLC President’s visit meant a lot to the union as his “skills will without a doubt restore workers’ movement to its rightful place in the scheme of our nation’s polity”, he said, emphasizing that because of Ajaero’s incredible diligence, “we feel assured of good tidings for every Nigerian worker.”
Praising the NLC President for his track record, Adeyanju stated that MWUN is sure of his capacity to do a thorough job of guiding the union from straying away from the right path.
He assured Ajaero of MWUN’s commitment and unwavering support for his administration and the vision of hope he brought to the Nigerian working class and allies.
However, he also highlighted some challenges MWUN is presently facing in the maritime industry, which include:
* 10C’s blatant refusal to obey government marine notice 106 of 2014 and extant stevedoring regulations.
* Refusal to pay aged seafarers monthly pension in spite of court ruling.”The issue of payment of pension to Aged Seafarers in compliance with a subsisting court order is one we recommend for your urgent attention and to be prioritised. The issue has lingered for too long in spite of a subsisting court ruling which demands that they be paid pension”, he pointed out.
*Restoration Of Registered Onboard Ship gangway
security and tally men = (Pooling System).
The presence of onboard ship gangway men and tally clerks in port operation Is statutory. This is supported by the dock labour rule of 1967, the National dock labour board established by decree No. 13 of 1979, the Maritime Labour Act, 2003, part ix, this position is further supported by the NIMASA Act, Part Vil = Maritime labour.
“On this note, MWUN had earlier forwarded a letter dated 5″ August 2021 to the Honourable Minister of Transportation to demand the restoration of the Pool System for registered on-board gangway security men and tally men we believe it is receiving attention”.
*Address the need to awaken the dredging OF Calabar, Warri and Port Harcourt Ports.
*Issuance Of Seafarers Identity Documents (S.1.D) to seafarers.
*Need to ensure that a minimum standard Condition of Service is put in place for our members in the shipping sector as is the practice for the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dock Labour and Seafarers.
“We wish to inform you, Sir, that the contract of the terminal operators has long expired and has not been renewed by the authorities. This has put the fate of our members in a state of uncertainty and unwarranted suffering. We, therefore, seek your intervention.”
