Following a deadlock in discussions to improve on the welfare of its workers, staff of APM Terminals at the Apapa Port in Lagos has threatened to shut down operations at the facility pending when the management resolves the debacle with the workers representatives.
The umbrella body of workers in the sector, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) accused the company of insensitive and lack regard for its workforce, the management offers are said to be far below the industry standard.
President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju told journalists that said the negotiations to improve the condition of service of the dockworkers recently ended in a stalemate.
Adeyanju in an electronic statement said “The leadership of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria on Wednesday June 22nd 2022 met with the management of APMT Nigeria to discuss the review of the Condition of service (Collective Bargaining) for our members for this fiscal year 2022. This meeting was the fourth fourth in a series of meetings and attempt to resolve the lingering issues raised at negotiation.
“Unfortunately, we are forced to bring to the notice of the general public that after a series of meetings, this last one being the fourth, the meeting like the several others ended in a stalemate.
“This is as a result of the refusal of the management of APMT to concede to workers’ demand for appropriate and industry compliant increase in their salaries across board.
“On this note, a seven-day ultimatum was issued which has since expired.
MWUN is aware that APMT Nigeria has overwhelmingly exceeded its projected profits and return on investment and our members have been a critical factor to this achievement.
“We are therefore appalled that your employees (our members) who toil day and night to achieve this height are denied enjoyment of their hard work.
“The union has long noted that APMT has no iota of regard for the welfare of its employees — Nigeria workers. This is underscored from the ridiculously low salaries and allowance being offered as negotiation which is far below the industry standard.
“Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria also brings to the notice of the general public, APMT Nigeria management’s penchant to hire foreign personnel in disregard of hiring Nigerians who are eminently qualified to hold and man the responsibilities of these positions.
“Also of note is the disparity in the salary and allowances between foreign personnel and Nigerian employees doing the same job in our nation. As a Union we are aggrieved at the shabby treatment meted out to our members, and we can no longer tolerate this.
“Consequently, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria should not be held liable in the event of disruption of industrial peace in the APMT Terminal” he said.
