The Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has called on the management of Lekki Free Port (LFP) to actively involve union leaders in decision-making processes, citing existing gaps and challenges between the port’s administration and its workforce.
President General of MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, made the appeal during a working visit to the port on Wednesday, accompanied by other union leaders.
Bunu expressed concern over the “distress calls” his office has been receiving from workers, indicating a strained relationship between the employees and the LFP management.
“We have deemed it fit to introduce ourselves to you and also to get feedback.
“We recently got distress calls from our members working at this terminal on what is bordering their operations but the management of the port have refused to address the issues.
“Workers have the doubt that the management is not on their side, they want a better relationship with the management team and be carried along, Bunu stated.
The MWUN PG emphasized the newly elected executive’s commitment to proactive engagement, stating that the ideal relationship between the management and the workers should be akin to that of a “father and his children.”
He also stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedures for addressing workers’ welfare issues, urging both sides to follow established protocols.
Bunu assured the management of the union’s support for any initiatives that will foster progress at the port.
He also urged the management to bring forth any issues they might have with workers to foster a stronger relationship.
“Whatever you do that will bring progress to the port, we will support it. We want our district, unit chairmen to be carried along in the activities of the port and if any issue is beyond them, they will call us.
“Workers and management are like children and parent. We want to come and have a discussion with you on behalf of our members because they are having teething problems and we have to discuss them.
“We also want you to bring issues bothering you about workers so that we can sort it out and to strengthen our relationship.
“Before you and I intervene in any matter, it should have gone through necessary tables for resolution.
“We want brother and sister relationship and see this business as our business. You should be able to go to bed with your eyes closed.
“Let us conduct ourselves as ones doing a world class job because Lekki is rated as one of the highest ports in the world.
“Whatever you do that will bring progress to the port, we will support it,” he assured.
Responding, Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Christophe Cassang admitted past lapses in following protocols and pledged to enforce proper procedures moving forward to ensure faster resolution of issues.
The visit ended on a positive note with a tour of the terminal by the union executives.
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