Staff welfare neglect won’t be tolerated, maritime workers warn companies

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) says it will not support any company in the sector that fails to prioritise workers’ welfare.

Francis Bunu, president-general of the union, spoke when Tim Maguire, the managing director of GMT, visited the union’s secretariat in Lagos.

In a statement on Wednesday, JohnKennedy Ikemefuna, MWUN’s spokesperson, quoted Bunu as saying that the only reason the union would oppose any company is if it disregards staff welfare.

“That is one of the major reasons the union will not be friendly with any company in the industry,” he said.

Bunu said the union would take any firm seriously only if it treats its employees fairly and without bias.

He stressed that the union had trained its members to deliver their best at all times and would not hesitate to discipline any worker found wanting.

Bunu commended Maguire for the visit and said the longstanding mutual understanding between GMT and the union would grow stronger.

He said government is a continuum, noting that as long as GMT continues to prioritise its workforce’s welfare, the union would remain supportive.

In his remarks, Maguire said the visit was to congratulate Bunu on his election victory and reaffirm GMT’s support for his leadership.

He described Bunu as a refined labour leader and maritime professional, whose contributions to the sector remain invaluable.

Maguire added that the company would continue to maintain its positive relationship with the union under Bunu’s leadership.