The Hindu Business Line : Labour problem at Vizag port

Though the workers were persuaded to call of on August 1 the strike they began on July 25, the issue has not been resolved the dispute has been referred to the regional labour commissioner. The ruling is to be pronounced after 45 days.

The dispute is over whether or not the private operator — Visakha Seaports Limited which has constructed two berths (East Quay 8 and 9) on BOT basis — has the right to employ private labour for operating them.

It is the contention of the Dock Labour Board workers and the unions that Visakha Seaports does not have such a right and cite the Dock Workers' (Regulation of Employment) Act, 1948, which clearly stipulates that only dock labour should be deployed in the dock area.

But the private company — a joint venture between Gammon India and Portia Management Services of the UK — contends that the agreement it has signed with the Port Trust authorises it to do so.

The moot point is, of course, whether the relevant clause in the agreement is in conformity with the Act and whether it will stand scrutiny.

It remains to be seen how the vexatious dispute will be resolved, with inter-union rivalries compounding the problem. It will also have a bearing on the future of privatisation in the port.

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