“This is not the spirit to foster industrial harmony’- SAN condemns MWUN statement

The Shipping Association of Nigeria ( SAN) has urged the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to exercise restraint and guard against any action that could affect the industrial harmony that the port industry has enjoyed over the years.

SAN made the remark while reacting to the recent press statement by the Union accusing the shipping lines agents of being economical with the truth over the lingering dispute concerning the poor pay package and welfare of employees in the shipping sector.

SAN, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chairman, Boma Alabi, SAN, expressed displeasure at the response by MWUN, which it said was laced with abusive language and personal attack.

This, according to her, was not the spirit to foster industrial harmony.

The statement reads, “Shipping Association of Nigeria has read with dismay and shock, especially the use of intemperate and abusive language contained in the press release issued by Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). This statement can be considered unbecoming and indecent in any sane society.

“However, it is not our intention to join issues with any member or members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) whom we regard as our partners in progress and brothers and sisters with whom we have been working happily together for years.

“Those who are quick to allege falsehood and resort to personal attacks are usually the purveyors of falsehood personified. A schedule of meetings between SAN and MWUN was attached to my previous statement. This schedule included dates of every meeting and venue in some cases. Facts are sacred. The alleged statement circulating on behalf of the MWUN carefully ignored these facts and went on a spiteful personal attack instead. This is not the spirit to foster industrial harmony.

“We have been consistently expressing the fact that SAN is a voluntary association of willing members comprising of a number of the shipping lines operating in the maritime sector. Much as we subscribe wholeheartedly to the welfare and betterment of our workers, we are equally constrained to state that SAN does not have control over all other maritime operators.

“Therefore, our earlier response was absolutely necessary to ensure a balanced narrative, not to join issues or go into vitriolic and unwarranted personal attacks.

“We count on the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to exercise restraint and work towards finding an amicable solution to whatever challenges facing the industry.”

Photo caption: 

Chairman, Shipping Association of Nigeria ( SAN) Mrs. Boma Alabi, SAN