Seafarers of the NLNG Ship Management Limited, NSML, which is a subsidiary of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, have decried the proposed 50 per cent slash in their salary.
They held that their outcry was in reaction to the mail signed by the Crewing Manager, on behalf of NSML management requiring Nigerian seafarers to sign and comply with a proposed 50 per cent salary cut within seven days or risk losing their jobs.
Disclosing that the arbitrary salary slash is expected to take effect from September 1, 2016, the Nigerian seafarers condemn the manner of informing them without proper consultation, adding that the move is partial, unjust and inhumane.
The seafarer’s basis for disagreement was because seafarers of other nationalities including Indians, Malaysians, Pakistanis, Russians, Croatians, among others are also challenging the 20 per cent wage cut levied on them by NSML management too.
While wondering why Nigerian seafarers should earn lower than their foreign colleagues, they argued that management’s proposal is tantamount to modern day slavery, considering their years of rigorous training at Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, and another three years study in the UK.
It was gathered that efforts to discuss with NSML management on Tuesday ended in a deadlock, with the company allegedly determined to lay off Nigerian seafarers in favour of employing cheap third-world officers.
The protesting seafarer’s group maintained that while NSML management is pressing on with their proposed salary cut, non-seafaring and office based staff at NSML, NLNG and Bonny Gas Transport, BGT, were not affected at all.
They called on the Federal Government to intervene and put an end to the unjust proposed wage cut which could kill dreams of achieving the Nigerianization plan which is committed to ensure that Nigerian seafarers engaged are well represented on board BGT and NLNG Chartered Vessels.
They expressed deep concern that the NSML is headed way of moribund as the defunct Nigerian National Shipping Line, NNSL, maintaining that something ought to be done to halt the inimical trend.
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