Chairman, Shipping line Association of Nigeria SAN, Mrs. Boma Alabi OON SAN.

Shipping line Association of Nigeria, SAN, has said it is not willing to join issues with the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria MWUN, saying that both the employers and employees are partners in progress and stakeholders in the same maritime industry.

Meanwhile, the association has restated its commitment as well as those of its members to improving the welfare of their workers at all times.

Recall that the leadership of the union had issued a seven-day ultimatum starting from Friday, February 17, 2023, members of the SAN to sign a new Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA with the workers or face withdrawal of services.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Wednesday, Chairman of SAN, Mrs. Boma Alabi OON SAN, said as partners in progress and stakeholders in the country’s supply chain, the association has opted for dialogue, negotiations towards a peaceful resolution of issues in the interest of the economy.

She however observed that SAN, as an organisation is voluntary in nature and therefore negotiating industry work standard with the union should not be limited only to the few members of SAN. This is an indication that negotiating and industry-wide workers’ standards would be better among all stakeholders.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further noted that though many of the members of the association are quite big and influential because of their size and market share; having been around for a very long time, which is also the reason they will be here for a long haul, but they cannot represent the entire maritime industry in Nigeria.

She however reemphasised the commitment of the association and its members to improving workers’ welfare, who are always regarded not only as social partners but also as brothers and sisters.

 She said: “My attention has been drawn to an online publication where the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria MWUN gave a seven-day ultimatum starting from Friday, 17th of February 2023, for the employers to sign a new Collective Bargaining Agreement CBA with the workers or face withdrawal of services.

“Let me firstly, congratulate our President- General of the MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju on his recent election as Vice President of the national body, NLC. It is indeed well- deserved and a testimony to the quality of the leadership in our industry.

“I will state it clearly, that it is not our intention to join issues with the union at this level or indeed at any level. We are partners in progress and stakeholders in the same Industry. As things stand, we are in negotiations and discussions on possible ways to arrive at an acceptable outcome that will improve the smooth running of the sector.

“We should also be reminded that SAN as an organisation, is a voluntary organisation and negotiating industry standard with the union should not be limited only to these few members of SAN. At this point, let me reemphasise the fact that we, as SAN, we are committed on improving workers’ welfare who we always regard not only as social partners but as our brothers and sisters.

“As we are all aware, our country is presently facing so many difficulties with the current currency swap and the coming national elections beginning next Saturday. As major players in the nation’s economy, the Shipping lines Association of Nigeria SAN, and all other stakeholders in the maritime industry are concerned about the stress caused by current happenings in the country and therefore call on the relevant authorities to take necessary measures that will ease the suffering of Nigerians”.

On the state of the nation, she observed that as an individual and a Nigerian, she cannot ignore the season and the elections coming up. She however expressed optimism that as the country has got better with each election conducted, and having observed the preparations made by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and security agencies, and therefore very hopeful that the elections will be peaceful, free and fair.