Indian port workers threaten strike from July 16

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Jun 2008

Five federations of port and dock workers have decided to serve a notice on Tuesday for a nationwide strike at all major ports on July 16, as the Government has not given formal approval to pending employee-related issues. According to a statement from the All India Port and Dock Workers Federation, an agreement had been reached on some of the issues between the Indian Ports Association representing port managements and recognised federations. The agreements include grant of 13.5 per cent interim relief with effect from January 1, 2007; amendment to settlement on liberalising the definition of pay and eligibility limit for PLR (productivity-linked reward) effective from FY07 as decided by the Cabinet; filling existing vacancies in various categories of port and dock workers; and merger of 50 per cent D.A. (dearness allowance) with basic pay with effect from January 1, 2005.
However, the federations have requested Minister for Shipping Mr T.R. Baalu to intervene and implement the agreements to avert the strike, the statement said.
The federations include All India Port and Dock Workers Federation; All India Port and Dock Workers Federation (Workers); Water Transport Federation of India; Port, Dock and Waterfront Workers’ of India; and Indian National Port and Dock Workers’ Federation.

Source: Hindu Business Line