Terminal operators partner MWUN on wage increase for dockworkers

TO enhance the welfare of dockworkers and boost productivity at the nation’s seaports, terminal operators under the aegis of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have signed an agreement with the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) to increase the wages of dockworkers.

Chairman of STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup who disclosed this in a statement explained that the reviewed welfare package will be valid for a period of two years, taking retroactive effect from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2016 while all arrears under the new package will be paid on or before the end of June.

Haastrup, who expressed satisfaction with the level of reform attained in the dock labour industry since port concession, said that terminal operators will also continue to make 10 per cent contribution of total emolument in favour of each dockworker in their employment towards the dockworkers’ retirement fund while each dockworker will contribute 8 per cent in line with the Pension Commission Act.

The review of the dockworkers wages, the STOAN Chairman said, is in tandem with the promise made by the concessionaires to improve the working condition and welfare package of workers at the ports.

“When we took over operations of the terminal at the outset of the port concession programme in 2006, we promised to not only modernise the port but to also improve the working conditions of port workers and I am happy to report that we have continued to deliver excellent results in both directions,” Haastrup said.

She noted that the increase was the high point of negotiation between STOAN and representatives of MWUN under a collective bargaining agreement.

Under the signed agreement, the dockworkers will enjoy a wage increase ranging from 5% to as much as 10% depending on the type of cargo handled at the terminal where they work.