At last, MWUN, shipping companies end 20 -year dispute, settle for N200,000 minimum wage for workers

...Agreed minimum wage highest in Nigeria’s industries- SACFEA Chairman

After over 20 years of struggle and failed negotiations, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and shipping companies under the aegis of Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association ( SACFEA) have signed an agreement on minimum standards of condition of service for workers in the shipping industry.

The historic agreement was facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

The signing ceremony held in Lagos on Friday was witnessed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and Chief Executive Officers of major shipping companies in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the agreement as a testament to the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of workers in the industry.

He said considering the maritime industry’s crucial role in job creation and contribution to the nation’s GDP, it is important that it’s workforce are treated with dignity and provided with necessary conditions for them to thrive.

The agreement, the minister said will ensure decent working conditions, fair remuneration, job security, and access to necessary welfare benefits for every worker in the shipping sector.

He said, “The agreement is a reflection of the trajectory of this administration and a testament to our collective commitment to uphold the rights and welfare of workers in the industry.”

“Through this agreement, we commit to prioritizing safety and health standards, ensuring that workers are provided with necessary training and resources to operate in secure environments.

“A uniform standards will guarantee level playing field among employers in the maritime sector thereby discouraging exploitation and promoting ethical practices in the industry.”

Oyetola urged all stakeholders involved to uphold the tenets of the agreement and bring it to fruition even as tasked the employers to embrace the conditions to foster a positive work environment.

He also enjoined the labour unions to remain steadfast in advocating for the rights of workers by ensuring compliance with the agreed standards while government will on its part continue to provide oversight by providing the enabling environment for compliance and continuous improvement.

President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, hailed the signing of the agreement as a significant milestone in the journey to end unfair labor practices and improve working conditions in the shipping subsector.

He said hhe minimum standard set at N200,000 will be reviewed every two years.

His words, “It’s been an exhausting journey, spanning for several years and countless engaging meetings and travels and surmounting many hiccups to finally arrive at this glorious moment of the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the eventual implementation of Industry Minimum Standards of Condition of Service for Workers in the Regulated Sector with specific reference to the Shipping sub sector.

“if you take a quick preview of the CBA you will find out that it addresses the long standing concerns and worries within the industry. Thus, this signing will pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for both employees and employers.”

Noting the union’s reform efforts, Adeyanju said MWUN now believes and prioritize dialogue over strike.

He commended the Minister for his support and commitment to maritime workers’ welfare, which he said contributed to the historic agreement.

He also commended members of SACFEA for their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

While thanking the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, for facilitating the process despite the hitches encountered, Adeyanju also acknowledged the contributions of former Executive Secretary, of the Council, Emmanuel Jime, for initiating the CBA negotiations.

“This agreement is a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering dedication of our members, Chief Executives Officers and Human Resource Officials of the numerous Shipping Companies who took out time to sit at the negotiating table with us. We applaud you,” he said.

Adeyanju emphasized that the union’s work is far from over, as they will continue to advocate for maritime workers’ rights and interests, ensuring peaceful industrial harmony.

On her part, Chairman of the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers’ Association (SACFEA), Boma Alabi, disclosed that the agreed minimum standard is the highest in any industry in Nigeria.

She expressed gratitude to the Minister for his support and directive, which she said facilitated the signing of the agreement.

Alabi also acknowledged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) under Akutah’s leadership for providing a neutral platform for negotiations. even as she emphasized the interdependence of employers and workers.

“This is a social partnership for progrress. We cannot do without our employers. The most valuable asset we have is our human assets, our workers. We cannot operate without our workers and without the employers. So we are partners in progress and we are glad that we have set a minimum standard that every player in the industry must adhere to.

“This minimum standard is the highest in any industry in Nigeria. We have set a standard and we will continue to cooperate and work with all stakeholders in the industry for harmony and progress and ultimately for the benefit of our country, ” she said.

Alabi expressed her commitment to continued cooperation with stakeholders to ensure harmony and progress in the industry, ultimately benefiting the country.

In his welcome address, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Akutah commended the minister for his commitment to the welfare of workers.

Akutah also praised Adeyanju’s leadership style, which he said, contributed significantly to the success of the negotiations.

He commended SACFEA Chairman, Boma Alabi, for her leadership and contributions to the agreement, stressing that cooperation between wokers and employers is essential for growth and stability in the maritime sector.

Akutah reiterated the Minister’s emphasis on the need for stability in the sector, urging all stakeholders to work together to maintain harmony and promote progress.

Representatives of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for facilitating the successful negotiations and expressed their commitment to continue advocating for the rights and interests of both maritime workers and employers.