Terminal operators increase dockworkers’ wages

The Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have signed an agreement with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) increasing the wages of dockworkers.
This is contained in a statement by the spokesman of STOAN, Mr Bolaji Akinola, in Lagos on Monday.
The statement stated that the Chairman of STOAN, Mrs Vicky Haastrup, said the reviewed welfare package took effect from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2016 would be valid for two years.
Haastrup noted that all arrears under the new package would also be paid.
She said the increase in wages was the highpoint of negotiation between STOAN and the representatives of MWUN under a collective bargaining agreement.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the agreement, the dockworkers will enjoy a wage increase ranging from five to 10 per cent, depending on the type of cargo handled in the terminals where they work.
She added that terminal operators would continue to make 10 per cent contribution of the total emolument of each dockworker in their employment toward the Dockworkers’ Retirement Fund.
“Each dockworker will contribute eight per cent in line with the Pension Commission Act,’’ Haastrup said.
She said the review of the dockworkers wages was in tandem with the promise made by the concessionaires to improve the working conditions and welfare package of workers at the ports.
“When we took over operation of the terminal at the onset of the port concession programme in 2006, we promised to not only modernise the ports, but to also improve the working conditions of port workers.
“I am happy to report that we have continued to deliver excellent results in both directions.
“Another goodnews for the dockworkers is the payment of attendant arrears which took effect from the end of the lifespan of the previous agreement which was June 1, 2014.
“This translates to one year arrears of agreed percentage which the terminal operators will pay,’’ Haastrup said.
She said workers at the ports now enjoyed much better working conditions compared to what obtained in the pre-port concession era.
Haastrup commended the leadership of MWUN for exhibiting maturity and patriotism during the negotiations.
She urged the dockworkers to reciprocate the terminal operators’ good gesture by remaining committed to their jobs and by shunning acts which could be inimical to the smooth running of the ports.
The STOAN chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of reform attained in the dock labour industry since port concession.
Haastrup said that despite the challenging operating environment, the terminal operators would continue to invest and modernise the nation’s seaports to achieve the Federal Government’s objectives for port reforms.
She said there should be an urgent solution to the perennial Apapa gridlock, which had adversely affected port operations and the nation’s economy.
The terminal operator also called for a reduction in number of government agencies operating at the ports as well as streamlining of clearing processes so as to reduce cargo dwell time at the ports.