SSASCGOC, maritime workers condemn hike in petrol price, demand reversal

The Senior Staff Association and Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) Maritime Branch and the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have jointly condemned the recent increase in petrol price by the federal government and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

In a statement signed by President of SSASCGOC Maritime Branch, Comrade Akin Bodunde, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Congress affiliates expressed concern over the timing and magnitude of the increase, which they say demonstrates a lack of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerians.

The unions noted that the increase comes at a time when negotiations for a new minimum wage are still ongoing, and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are battling the federal government over electricity tariff increases of 250 percent.

The SSASCGOC maritime boss noted that the two house unions in NPA, are ever ready to join the NLC/ TUC for any necessary action to reverse the arbitrary increases.

He maintained that the unions remain committed to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) workers and will continue to advocate for policies that promote social justice, fair wages, and a decent work environment.

“We understand the challenges NPA workers have been facing in making sure they come to work daily and the general pressure they face on a daily basis is also noted.

“This is to assure you that we are solidly with you and behind you in rectifying this social anomaly, ” he said.

While expressing readiness to partner with the NPA management to improve revenue and block all leakages, Bodunde urged the authority to commence negotiations for a new wage structure and resolve the federal government’s policy of 50/50, failure of which may result in industrial action.

“While waiting for negotiations to commence, we were served another increase of fuel prices. We urge management to urgently commence the process of new wage structure without further delay. We believe in the present management capacity and the promise made to improve workers’ welfare.

“We have also given the management time to resolve the federal government policy of 50/50, failure, which may result in a serious industrial action by the union. The union is 100% ready to partner with management to improve revenue and block all leakages for better performance,” he said.

He appealed to NPA workers to be patient with the present management, believing that they will do well.

“We appeal to our workers to be patient with the present management because we believe they will do well. May God bless Nigerian Ports Authority and all the employees. Solidarity forever.” he concluded.