The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) signed a comprehensive Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT) on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards improved working conditions for workers at the terminal.
The CBA, hailed as a “people’s CBA,” is the culmination of intense negotiations that began in April last year between the union and the terminal.
Speaking at the ephod-making event, the President General MWUN, Comrade Adewale emphasized the importance of the CBA in protecting workers’ rights. He said “this CBA is a testament to our commitment to fair labour practices. We urge workers to abide by its provisions and management to respect the rights of employees.”
Speaking further, the President General MWUN, appealed to the management of the terminal to reconsider the recent sackings of two workers at the terminal urging a review of their cases and potential reinstatement.
“The CBA is part of discipline and abiding by it is sacrosanct. So as much as these workers did not steal, I want you to reverse their sack. We know you expatriates have your policies where you are coming from, but you should also respect our constitution as we respect your policies too.
“To the workers I want to repeat myself, the management has every right to discipline you so do not take this as a way to misbehave, it is not”, he said.
Speaking earlier, Comrade Tonye Harry, Deputy President General of MWUN, praised the efforts of all parties involved, acknowledging that the journey was not without its challenges. “Today marks the end of a journey that started about a year ago. It wasn’t a smooth journey, but we’ve finally arrived at a destination that benefits all,” he said.
Speaking also at the event, Comrade Tajudeen Ohize, Dock Workers branch President of MWUN, reiterated the need for workers to remain committed and supportive. “Our union will not tolerate hooliganism or stealing. We must work together to maintain a harmonious work environment,” he stressed.
On his part, the President of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Maritime Branch, Comrade Akinola Bodunde while appreciating the management of LFT, quipped that the unions and the company are embarking on a good journey that will end well.
He charged the workers to put in their best into their assignments as new agreement was being signed into working document.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. The document may not cover all your aspirations, negotiation is always 50/50. I want to assure you that it is not the end but the beginning
“We have laid a foundation that we will continue to build on. The workers should do their best to support the development of the port.”
Speaking further, Comrade Bodunde assured the management of the union’s support for the terminal to achieve their objectives.
In his response Christophe Cassang, CEO of LFT, received the appeals and assured that the management will review the disciplinary actions in line with the CBA.
“We value our workers and appreciate their contributions. We will work together to achieve our goals,” he said, highlighting the increased volume of cargoes at Lekki as a testament to their collaborative efforts.
Fubara Awanta, GM Government Relations and Security at LFT, described the CBA as a vital step forward for staff, offering better opportunities and a framework for disciplinary actions. “This CBA demonstrates our commitment to our employees’ well-being. We are dedicated to creating a positive work environment,” he said.
The signing of the CBA was met with jubilation from workers, who expressed their gratitude to the union and management for their efforts.
The agreement sets a new standard for labour relations at LFT, fostering a harmonious work environment and improved conditions for employees
