By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Prince Adewale Adeyanju, has revealed that the newly-signed minimum standard of conditions of service for workers of the Shipping branch of the union will ensure a minimum total emolument of N270,000 for workers in the sector.
Speaking on the sidelines of the agreement signing for minimum standards of conditions of service for workers in shipping companies on Friday in Lagos, Adeyanju, while addressing questions raised by our correspondent, informed that the agreement establishes a benchmark payment of N200,000, which represents a major victory in the fight against anti-labour practices within the industry.
He emphasized the significance of the development, marking the end of over two decades of negotiations.
“This is a milestone moment for us. We have been in this battle for over 25 years, and today, with this agreement, the minimum benchmark of N200,000 has been set, bringing the total emolument to N270,000,” Adeyanju stated. “This signals the end of anti-labor practices that have plagued our industry.”
The signing ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, and facilitated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Oyetola, in his address, stressed the importance of the agreement in fostering respect and dignity for the workforce, which he described as essential to the growth of the blue economy. He called on all stakeholders to uphold the tenets of the agreement and to work towards continuous improvement.
“We have seen today, that a lot can be achieved through collaboration and mutual respect. This agreement is a reflection of our dedication to enhancing workers’ welfare and promoting safety standards within the industry,” Oyetola remarked.
The agreement, which will be reviewed every two years, is expected to set a precedent for fair labor practices across the industry.
Mrs. Boma Alabi SAN, President of the Shipping, Shipping Agencies, Clearing and Forwarding Employers Association (SACFEA), also expressed optimism about the agreement, calling it a social partnership for progress in the maritime sector. She praised the collaborative efforts that led to this achievement and highlighted the importance of adhering to the new standards.
