By Segun Oladipupo
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and the shipping arm of the Nigerian Liquified and Natural Gas (NLNG) Ship Management Limited (NSML) on Monday jointly signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with improved welfare package for the seafarers in the organisation.
The agreement which was signed in Lagos by both parties and witnessed by a representative from the regulatory agency, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as an observer, was aimed at motivating workers for improved productivity.
Both parties agree that the ratings deserve more to cushion the effect of the economy on them.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, Human Resources Manager, NSML Comrade Henry Agbodjan said that the discussion was Bargaining was fruitful saying the management is ready to build capacity of it’s workforce.
The HR Manager noted that management had concluded plans to carry out trainings for the Seafarers as means of 3nhqncing efficiency in the organisation.
His words, “Today we had a really good interaction with executives of MWUN and NIMASA representative too. Today, we had discussions on improved welfare for our ratings and training for the ratings in order to add value on the shipping department of our organization.”
He reiterated management’s commitment to continue the vaccination of seafarers onboard NLNG vessels, saying, those that are yet to get the Covid19 vaccination due to some reasons would be paramount against the backdrop of the just concluded interaction.
Agbodjan quipped that some of the training programmes designed for the workers were truncated by Covid19 pandemic but reassured that the manpower development programme for ratings will commence once again.
However, he commended management of MWUN for their cordial and robust engagement with the NSML over the years , saying NSML will continue to provide the best way towards empowering employees .
On his part, President General MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju expressed satisfaction on NSML commitment to members empowerment adding that capacity building for ratings and seafarers was paramount for the sustainability of the shipping industry.
According to him, NSML is the best employer of labour in the shipping industry noting that the union will continue to support the organization for training of seafarers.
Adeyanju said, “NSML is one company that has the passion to train workers. They are the best employers of labour in terms of recruiting, empowerment , and training of seafarers.
“Our position is very clear because during the meeting we had with them earlier , we made them to understand that training of ratings is very key.
“NSML is one company that has the love of workers at heart. But we will always appeal to them to improve on capacity building for Seafarers, the PG lauded
Adeyanju also stressed the need for the ratings’ promotion as at when due adding that training will lead to promotion of workers, even as he calling on manning agents and shipping lines to emulate the standard set aside by management of NSML.
The meeting had in attendance Managing Director of NSML, Abdulkarim Hamed, Director and Head of Maritime Labour Services, Mr. Lawan Aliyu, Deputy President General MWUN, Comrade Francis Bunu, President Seamen NIWA Water Transport Branch MWUN,Comrade Sunday Avoseh among many observers in attendance
