Leaders of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), have threatened to withdraw all their members from the Port-Harcourt port in Rivers State and shut down all port operations in the area as from tomorrow.
They insisted that there would be no going back on their decision unless all foreigners, especially the 28 Sri-Lankan nationals, brought by one of the terminal operators to take over the jobs of dock workers and seafarers in the country, vacate the premises at the close of work today.
MWUN, in a statement signed by its newly elected President-General, Comrade Emmanuel Anthony Nted, and made available to THISDAY accused the management of BUA Cement 1 operating in the state capital of engaging in unfair labour practices.
It also accused the company of recruiting foreigners to take over the jobs meant for Nigerians.
MWUN vowed that if its demand are not met within two days of the commencement of the planned industrial action, it would be extended to other ports operations across the country .
The union lamented that it had explored all legitimate and civilised means to see to an amicable resolution of the matter to no avail.
It recalled that an earlier ultimatum which was issued on February 17, 2009, prompted the management of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to set up a committee to look into labour allegations and the committee confirmed almost all the allegations against BUA Cement.
It however lamented that “instead of implementing the recommendations of the committee, the management of BUA started blackmailing everybody including the union members”.