HAPPENING NOW: Dockworkers Shut-out Deputy Comptroller of Customs, APMT Staff Out of Office at Apapa Port

By DAPO OLAWUNI

There is palpable tension at the Apapa port as angry dockworkers have shutout the Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of APM Terminals Apapa, his officers, as well as other APM terminal staffs from gaining access into their work areas.

This is coming ahead of expiration of the 3-days extension in the strike notice which the leadership of the Maritime Workers Union (MWUN) had issued the terminal operator on Tuesday.

Eyewitnesses at the unfolding chaos in Apapa told DAILY TREND that APM terminal workers were all chased out of their offices.

According to the Task Force Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in Apapa chapter, Hon Frank Aliakor, the dockworkers were protesting their unpaid salaries by the APM terminal management.

“Maritime workers union on a warning strike have locked out the Deputy Comptroller at APMT. All the officers could not have access to their seats.

“There is a palpable fear it may result to withdrawal of service, though we heard it was a warning strike due to unpaid salaries of the workers by the terminals”

“They have chased out all APMT workers out of office”

“When i met Mr Kayode of APMT who is the stakeholders manager, he said it is a trial by the labour union” Aliakor confirmed

The MWUN is seeking to correct issues of poor welfare packages and ant-labour activities of APM Terminals Apapa management.

The three day extension was contained in a letter dated July 18th, 2022 and addressed to the Managing Director, APM Terminal Apapa, serving as a reminder against the backdrop of the intending strike earlier scheduled.

The letter noted that the Collective Bargaining Agreement expired at 6pm 29th June, 2022.

The letter signed by Deputy Secretary General of MWUN Comràde Oniha Erazua on behalf of the union said “I am directed to remind you that the seven (7) days’ notice effective 23rd June 2022 which was issued to your management within which to conclude negotiations for your employees — our members, Collective Bargaining Agreement expired at 6pm 29th June, 2022.

“I am further directed to inform you that in compliance with the norm of industrial engagements, the Seven (7) Days’ notice has been extended by another Three (3) days effective from July 18th 2022 to 6pm 21st July 2022.

“Please be informed that Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria shall in the event of your refusal to conclude negotiation at the expiration of the extended three (3) notice, em on a Three (3) day WARNING STRIKE without further recourse to management.”it said.

Details later…..