The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has announced plans to unionize seafarers at Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited(VIDEO)

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) is set to unionize seafarers employed by Melsmore Marine Nigeria Limited, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the two entities and promising improved welfare for workers.

The move comes months after a dispute between MWUN and Melsmore Marine Ltd over the union’s request for the company’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and monthly records of Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) remittances for its employees.

Following the initial impasse, a meeting of reconciliation was held between MWUN leadership and Melsmore Marine Ltd management. The meeting resulted in an understanding that Melsmore’s seafarers must be unionized, in full conformity with Nigerian and global maritime operational regulations.

President General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu, who led the MWUN national executives on a tour of the facility on Sunday stated that the visit served to sensitize the company’s seafarers on their impending unionization into the Seafarers’ Branch of the Maritime Workers Union.

Comrade Bunu emphasized the urgent need to address the poor conditions faced by many seafarers in Nigeria.

He highlighted concerns regarding inadequate onboard care, poor remuneration, and exposure to hazardous working conditions with limited safety and health facilities. Such conditions, he noted, often jeopardize seafarers’ health, leading to various communicable diseases and, in some cases, claiming lives at sea.

Vowing that such impunity of absolute negligence on seafarers by employers of labour will no longer be tolerated, Comrade Bunu declared that a new order has emerged in the maritime sector which all employers must now comply with global safety standards on board vessels and prioritize workers’ welfare.

He warned that any employer found in default, he would face appropriate action under Maritime Labour rules and regulations.

Addressing the Melsmore workers, the MWUN President-General assured them that their unionization process is underway and assuring them of a safe landing, free from any intimidation or harassment from either the Union or Melsmore management.

Comrade Bunu also revealed that the unionization would lead to the production of a “Work Guidelines and Welfare package” book, known as the “NJIC” (National Joint Industrial Council).

The book is designed to ensure safe and seamless operations across the sector and is applicable to all branches of the union.