The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the Senior Staff Association of Government-Owned Companies (SSAGCOC) have announced plans to go on strike, citing Hull Blyth Nigeria Limited’s refusal to honour the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and its controversial decision to casualize dockworkers.
The unions stated this in a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, where they also alleged that Hull Blyth has failed to meet agreed-upon labour standards and the recent Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signing for workers in the shipping companies witnessed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, denying workers fair wages, benefits, and essential workplace protections while undermining job security by pushing workers into casual status. The
MWUN President General, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, alongside SSAGCOC President, Com. Akinola Bodunde condemned Hull Blyth’s approach to labour relations, expressing disappointment over the company’s disregard for the CBA and lack of commitment to workers’ rights.
“Hull Blyth’s actions not only breach labour agreements, but show a lack of respect for the contributions of our members, who are critical to Nigeria’s maritime industry,” Adeyanju stated.
The unions underscored that casualization has left workers vulnerable and deprived of full-time benefits, such as health insurance, pensions, and consistent wages. This practice, they argue, represents a calculated attempt to cut costs at the expense of worker welfare.
“Our workers deserve stability and security, but Hull Blyth’s policies have only jeopardized their livelihoods,” SSAGCOC representatives emphasized, noting the frustration of members who have endured worsening conditions despite repeated attempts to negotiate.
Adding to concerns, the unions highlighted that Hull Blyth has failed to meet industry standards as stipulated in the CBA.
“We must state here that Hull Blyth is known for its 100% entrenched CASUALIZATION of its workforce. This company solely depends on outsourcing of all its operational processes. It is also known for repatriation of the company’s huge profits back to their home country.
“We therefore wish to use this medium to sound a note of warning to Hull Blyth management that the union will resist this action, with all it would take, including closing down all ports, terminals, jetties and oil and gas platforms nationwide should this blatant disregard for the CBA agreement persist”
