Workers protest as MSC Group completes acquisition of Bollore Africa Logistics

Emmanuel Thomas l Monday, April 3, 2023

APAPA, Lagos, Nigeria – Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing & Forwarding Agencies SSASCFA (TUC Affiliate) and their junior counterparts at the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria MWUN (NLC Affiliate) of Bollore Transport and Logistics Nigeria Limited on Thursday 30th March 2023 embarked on a peaceful protest at 26 creek Road Apapa against the decision and stand of management to transfer their services,  rights and benefits to SAS Shipping Agencies Services, a subsidiary of MSC Group.

In a gentle reminder otherwise known as peaceful protest, the workforce which comprises junior and senior staff of both unions reiterated their commitment and affirmation to opt for transfer of Service and not “Transfer of Rights and Benefits”.

The Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing & Forwarding Agencies SSASCFA Comrade Solomon Ntioket spoke to our correspondent on the issue of the workforce congregating is to re-echo their stand on the lingering issue on Bollore acquisition by World’s Largest Shipping Line -The MSC and the need to defray the workforce with their rights and benefits before fostering a hand of friendship with the new Firm.

He said the reminder was needed as the entire workforce of Bollore Transport and Logistics Nigeria limited as at today does not know the decision of Bollore Management with regards to their outstanding benefits with respect to number of years that staff have worked for.

He equally stated that Bollore Management’s blunt refusal to speak to representatives of the workforce heightens the agitations of the workers.

In a press statement, MSC Group President said the group is pleased to confirm that its wholly owned subsidiary SAS Shipping Agencies Services has completed the acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics.

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“The transaction was approved by all applicable regulatory authorities. MSC’s acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics SAS and its affiliates (“Bolloré Africa Logistics Group”) highlights the long-term commitment of MSC to invest in African supply chains and infrastructure, supporting the needs of clients of both businesses”, he said.

MSC reiterated that it will operate Bolloré Africa Logistics Group as an autonomous entity with its portfolio of diversified partners, under a new brand to be unveiled in 2023.

The group said Philippe Labonne will continue his longstanding role at the helm of the business as President of Bolloré Africa Logistics.

“MSC intends to continue enhancing the continent’s connectivity with the rest of the world and enable trade within Africa amid the implementation of the continental free trade (AfCFTA).

“Backed by MSC Group’s financial strength and operational expertise, Bolloré Africa Logistics will be able to meet all its commitments to governments, particularly regarding port concessions”, he added.

MSC Group President Diego Aponte said the group is delighted to welcome more than 21,000 new colleagues to the MSC family through our acquisition of Bolloré Africa Logistics.

“I wish to thank the Bolloré family, and Cyrille in particular, for having conducted the transaction in a smooth and efficient way and I congratulate them for having created such a well-established business”, he said, adding that the deal will strengthen MSC’s longstanding ties with Africa and will reinforce its commitment to the continent’s economic growth, including investment in the ships, shipyards, container terminals, logistic solutions, storage facilities, road and rail networks that will support and enhance trade across the African continent and with the rest of the world.

“Our strategy remains rooted in our values and in our long-term vision that protects over 150,000 employees in 155 countries worldwide”, he said.