Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Threatens Industrial Action Over Unpaid Salaries
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria Threatens Industrial Action Over Unpaid Salaries
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria , President General,Dr.Prince Adewale Adeyanju fnli
By Frank Odinukaeze
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has issued a stern warning to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) over the nonpayment of nine months’ worth of salaries owed to its members. The union has expressed deep frustration over the continued disregard for their members’ welfare and the failure of the CRFFN management to honor previous agreements.
In a press release, MWUN highlighted that despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue amicably, including several mediatory meetings and ultimatums, the Acting Registrar of CRFFN has ignored these efforts. The union emphasized that during the last meeting held in Abuja on September 18, 2024, resolutions were made to prioritize the payment of staff salaries as the first line of charge. However, these resolutions have been blatantly disregarded.
MWUN expressed dismay over the CRFFN’s decision to organize a training program for select staff while a significant backlog of unpaid salaries remains. This action, according to the union, demonstrates a nonchalant attitude towards the welfare of its members.
The union has now put the general public on notice that if the CRFFN management continues to withhold the owed salaries, MWUN will have no choice but to withdraw the services of its members across various sectors, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, dock labor, shipping and freight forwarding agencies, and seamen from all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms nationwide.
Comrade Oniha Erazua, speaking on behalf of the Secretary General, stated that MWUN can no longer tolerate the impunity displayed by the CRFFN and is prepared to take decisive action to ensure the rights and welfare of its members are upheld.
The looming industrial action threatens to disrupt operations across Nigeria’s maritime sector, potentially impacting trade and economic activities if the issue remains unresolved. Authorities and stakeholders are urged to intervene promptly to avert the impending crisis.
