The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by President-General Com. Adewale Adeyanju has announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike if the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) fails to pay nine months of salary arrears owed to its employees.
The affected workers are members of MWUN, and the union has accused the CRFFN management of neglecting its financial responsibilities despite multiple efforts to resolve the issue amicably.
In a press statement signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media for MWUN, the union expressed deep dissatisfaction with the actions of the CRFFN’s Acting Registrar.
The union stated that it had exhausted all available options for negotiation, including issuing several ultimatums, but these efforts were ignored by the CRFFN.
The most recent attempt at mediation occurred in Abuja on September 18, 2024, yet no progress was made in resolving the matter.
The MWUN also criticized the CRFFN for allegedly disregarding a crucial resolution reached during the mediation meetings. According to the union, one of the resolutions stipulated that when funds become available to the CRFFN, the payment of employees’ salaries should be prioritized. However, MWUN claims that the CRFFN diverted available funds to conduct what it described as a “kangaroo” training programme for select staff members, leaving the issue of unpaid salaries unaddressed.
“This is a clear violation of the agreements reached,” the union stated, highlighting that CRFFN’s actions have further deepened the financial challenges faced by its members. The union expressed disappointment that, despite their willingness to cooperate with the CRFFN management, the regulatory body has continued to act in a manner that undermines the rights and welfare of its members.
The union emphasized that it would no longer tolerate the perceived impunity of the CRFFN. It declared that if the outstanding nine months’ salary arrears are not paid, it would have no choice but to initiate a total withdrawal of its members’ services. This action would impact key sectors of Nigeria’s maritime industry, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dock Labour, Shipping and Freight Forwarding Agencies, as well as Seamen working across all ports, jetties, terminals, and Oil & Gas platforms.