The Hindu Business Line : Chennai port backlog likely to be cleared in a week

WITH normal operations resuming at the container terminal in Chennai port, it is likely to take at least a week to clear the backlog caused by the nearly fortnight-long strike by non-management workers of Chennai Container Terminal Ltd.

The strike was withdrawn from the third shift of Saturday - beginning at 10 p.m. - after hectic negotiations.

Workers and the management of Chennai Container Terminal Ltd (CCTL) reached an agreement before a regional labour commissioner.

Workers at the terminal went on strike from May 23 night resulting in slowing of container handling at the terminal and a huge pile-up of boxes. It is estimated that at least 8,000 boxes had accumulated at the terminal, according to trade sources.

According to reliable sources, in the agreement hammered out with the CCTL management, the workers agreed to return to work immediately and cooperate with the management. The management agreed that there would not be victimisation of workers, while both sides decided to continue with wage negotiations.

Also, Mr D. Nageswaran, against whom the CCTL management wanted to pursue an independent inquiry, would step down as President of the Chennai Container Terminal Employees Association, according to the sources.

The management agreed to revoke the suspension of three workers and wanted an independent inquiry against Mr Nageswaran, following an appeal by the Shipping Minister, Mr T.R. Baalu, to the management to reinstate the suspended workers to restore normal working at the terminal.

According to trade sources, the focus should now be on clearing export containers that have accumulated at the terminal.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Shipping

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