Cablegate: Nigeria's Dock Workers On Strike

VZCZCXRO4333
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHOS #0684 2921404
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 191404Z OCT 07
FM AMCONSUL LAGOS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9498
INFO RUEHUJA/AMEMBASSY ABUJA 9269
RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS LAGOS 000684

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED, SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF/W, DRL
STATE FOR INR/AA
DOE FOR CAROLYN GAY
DOL FOR SUDHA HALEY
DOC FOR KBURRESS
TREASURY FOR DAN PETERS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA'S DOCK WORKERS ON STRIKE

1. (U) The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) went on strike
on October 18 to support a non-unionized group of Apapa terminal
dockworkers. The Apapa dockworkers are legally recognized as casual
employees and, therefore, unable to organize or receive guaranteed
conditions of service. (Note: Some terminal operator employers do
recognize dockworker unions. End Note.) The MWUN has expanded the
strike to include all union branches at the Tin Can and Apapa ports.
Post's shipping office confirmed their inability to retrieve
shipments at the dock on October 19.

2. (U) The Ministry of Labor and the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC)
have agreed to intervene and negotiate on behalf of the workers.
According to our labor contact, the strike will continue during
negotiations.

HUTCHINSON

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