WDW 2025: MWUN PG advocates for democracy that supports decent work

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has joined the global community to celebrate World Decent Work Day (WDW) 2025, calling for a democracy that delivers decent work and better working conditions for workers.

The MWUN President-General(PG), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, emphasized the need for workers to enjoy social protection, living wages, and a conducive work environment.

In a release e-signed by Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, Head of Media, MWUN, Comrade Bunu said:

“It’s pertinent to note that workers must be committed to decency in the workplace at all times, and this can only be achieved through a “Democracy that Delivers”. Every decent and diligent worker deserves better remuneration and a conducive work environment globally

“For millions of workers in Africa, it’s imperative that workers earn social protection, with living wages, which is far from being over as we speak today.”

Comrade Bunu emphasized that every job must be pragmatically safe, as every worker deserves respect and dignity in labor, citing the principles of the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC-Africa). He also stressed that every nation should prioritize its economy on people over profit, as this is essential for a life worth living.

The maritime labor leader and industrial activist appealed to government leaders across the continent to allow democracy to thrive, noting that this is the only way to achieve the aforementioned goals. He urged democracies globally to give democracy a chance, allowing workers’ conditions to improve beyond their current state, where many live below average standards, negatively impacting their psychological well-being

The MWUN PG further said that the WDW is a day for recognition as it is a call for action; for togetherness.

He said, “Together, we can build a future where decent work is a reality for workers, not just a distant dream. Achieving this noble objective requires a working democracy in action in every nation.”