Crown Flower Mills Ltd faces shutdown over labour dispute with MWUN

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Comrade Francis Bunu Abi led  Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has threatened to shut down Crown Flower Mills of Nigeria Limited, Lagos, over the company’s refusal to allow unionization of its workers at the Ports.

For 22 years, MWUN has cohabited with Crown Flower Mills Ltd within the Ports premises, yet the company has consistently denied the union access to unionize its workers, despite them falling under MWUN’s category.

Comrade Bunu

In an e-signed release by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna head of Media MWUN stated that this prolonged denial has subjected Crown Flower Mills workers to oppressive and suppressive conditions, highlighting the company’s disregard for workers’ rights.

MWUN President Comrade Bunu finds it appalling that such worker oppression persists in this era of global labor initiatives, where workers’ rights should be paramount, especially within the union’s territory.

Forklift we at work at Crown Flower Mills Ltd

The prominent Maritime Labour leader has pledged to unionize the workers, warning that resistance from Crown Flower Mills management will compel the union to withdraw services of all staff in the Ports, as it won’t allow another union to encroach on its territory.

Bunu cited the success of similar efforts in Warri, Delta State, as precedent, asserting that Lagos Ports should also benefit from this labour initiative, implying that there’s no reason for the unionization drive to be resisted.