Bunu Secures Landmark Benefits for Late Union Member After Raising Seafarers’ Wages Above ITF Standards

Bunu Secures Landmark Benefits for Late Union Member After Raising Seafarers’ Wages Above ITF Standards

The President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, has recorded another milestone achievement in securing benefits for the family of late Comrade Okwuwa Chinedu Godwin, a union member and employee of GMS Recruitment Services Limited, who passed away on March 18, 2024, after contracting an illness while on board a vessel.

family of late Comrade Okwuwa Chinedu Godwin

Under Comrade Bunu Abi’s leadership, Nigerian seafarers now earn wages above the internationally approved ITF salary benchmark, thanks to the effective use of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to negotiate unprecedented salaries for maritime workers.

Although Comrade Godwin’s death occurred before Bunu Abi assumed office, the President-General pursued the matter with resilience, determination, and strict adherence to labour laws. MWUN fought tirelessly to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Godwin’s death, linked to his vessel assignment, were addressed fairly.

PG and others in group photograph with the family of late Godwin.

Following MWUN’s intervention, GMS Recruitment Services complied with the union’s demands in line with P&I provisions, ensuring that the late Comrade Godwin’s family received due benefits.

Comrade Bunu expressed gratitude to GMS Recruitment Services for their cooperation, emphasizing that human lives must always be valued. The family of the late Godwin also commended MWUN’s leadership for handling the matter with fairness and compassion, leading to an amicable resolution.

Through his distinctive leadership style, professionalism, and pragmatic approach, Comrade Francis Bunu continues to secure remarkable progress for maritime labour—without resorting to protests or placards, but through dialogue and effective negotiation.