Any dockworker who had hopes of a pay rise due to the planned consultations between their union and the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) can now ditch such hopes. Nothing of the sort is going to happen as all parties, uncharacteristically including the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), agreed to stall all negotiations regarding a pay rise for dockworkers.
The Executive Director of the Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Gambo Ahmed, who is acts as the Chairman of the council, said that the decision was reached as it was obvious that the dwindling fortunes in global shipping had affected vessel traffic to Nigeria and negatively impacted the fortunes of Sea Ports and Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN).
A such, the Council believed that this was no a right time to negotiate any form of pay increase as operators are barely hanging on to the employees currently in their employ.
President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Emmanuel Anthony Nted, in a move unusual for labor unions acquiesced to the reasons given, agreeing that MWUN understands the economic situation and so there is no need to demand for increment.
However, both the NJIC and MWUN requested that STOAN members foster the amicable nature of the relationship by ensuring that improved conditions are put in place when the economic situation changes for the better.