The Hindu Business Line : Kochi port stir hurts cargo movement

The one-day token strike resorted to a by a section of trailer crew at Kochi Port on Wednesday has affected the movement of cargo to and from the port.

The cargo movement will again be affected on Wednesday on account of the all-India general strike called by the Opposition parties in protest against policies of the Union Government.

As a result, the strike will effectively cover two days crippling the entire port operations for two consecutive days in a week thereby hampering the movement of cargo. According to shippers, the loss of two days will have a far-reaching impact on the productivity of the port. Particularly at a time when the port is going ahead with various measures in attracting more vessels, these sorts of actions by hindering the work in the port will send negative signals for the port in the shipping circles outside, they said.

The trailer crew owning allegiance to BMS had struck work demanding implementation of all turn system, implementation of the wages and batta agreement of April this year and also resolution of the issue of payment of bonus. A statement issued by the Ernakulam Motor Thozhilali Sangham alleged that the trailer owners were violating an agreement reached before the Labour Commissioner in April on getting regular employment, batta and wages.

Expressing concern on the situation, the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the on-going trailers' strike and the general strike from midnight today would effectively bring to a standstill of all container movements.

"It is unfortunate that we are forced to put up with such strikes called for various reasons, as these stoppages of work will affect the productivity of the State as a whole", a spokesman of the chamber said.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Shipping

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
DSCL ties up with Munich Airport

Sical Logistics to raise $50 m

IATA plans ground handling safety audit

Karnataka mulls aerospace engg SEZ

Mundra port on major expansion path

Bad scheduling of fertiliser imports costs PSUs Rs 160 cr in demurrage

Kochi port stir hurts cargo movement

Greater role for third-party logistics in automotive industry seen

`Robust supply chain vital for auto cos'

Perfumed post

Japan keen to take part in rail freight corridor project