Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ready for industrial action at APMT terminal

Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria ready for industrial action at APMT terminal

* Laments poor salaries, disparity in wages between foreign personnel and Nigerian workers

The news reaching our platform reveals that the leader of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has concluded plans to embark on industrial action at APMT Terminal.

This decision formed part of a press statement signed by the President General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju; and Secretary General of the Union, Comrade Felix Akingboye.

The strike action according to the Union is the last option, as all efforts to make the management of APMT concede to workers’ demands to improve their salaries, allowances and working conditions proved unsuccessful.

The Union also complained of disparity in wages between foreign personnel and Nigerian workers, who are doing the same job at APMT Terminals in Apapa, Lagos.

The statement revealed that 7- day ultimatum was issued earlier and has since expired. Also, a total of four meetings were held and several attempts to resolve the lingering issues raised during negotiation proved unsuccessful.
As such, the Union must not be held liable in the event of distortion of industrial peace in APMT Terminal.

The statement reads :
“The leadership of MWUN on Wednesday June 22, 2022, met with the management of APMT Nigeria, to discuss review of the condition of service (Collective Bargaining) for our members, for 2022 economic year.

“Unfortunately, we are forced to bring to the notice of the general public that after series of meetings, the last one being the 4th, the meeting like several others ended in stalemate.

“This is due to refusal by APMT management to concede to workers demands for appropriate and industry compliant for increase in their salaries across board. On this note, a 7-day ultimatum was issued and has since expired.

“APMT Nigeria has overwhelmingly exceeded its projected profits and returns on investments; but MWUN members being a critical factor to this achievement have been denied appropriate wages for their hard work, after toiling day and night .

“The Union has long noted that APMT has no iota of regard for the welfare of its employees — Nigerian Workers. This is underscored by the ridiculously low salaries and allowances being offered at negotiation, which are far below the industry standard.

“The Union also brings to the notice of the public, APMT penchant for hiring foreign personnel in disregard of Nigerians, who are eminently qualified to hold the responsibilities of these positions.

“Also of note is the disparity in salaries and allowances between foreign personnel and Nigerian employees doing the same job in our nation.

” As a Union we are aggrieved at the shabby treatment meted out to our members and we can no longer tolerate this.”