The Hindu Business Line : Container lorry strike hits Kochi port operations

Kochi May 14 The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has sent fax messages to the Kerala Chief Minister, the Industries Minister and the Labour Minister seeking their immediate intervention to end the ongoing container lorry strike at the Kochi port since Friday.

The chamber President, Mr K. Retnan, said that the strike by container lorry workers has caused considerable difficulties to the exim trade and the service providers. If the strike continues, there is a possibility of ships as well as cargo being diverted to the neighbouring ports. This will upset the export schedules and the clearance of import cargo causing financial loss to the port users, besides revenue loss to the port and the State Government.

Stoppage of work by any section connected with the cargo movement through the port is to be avoided as lack of discipline had inflicted damage to the port in the past. With the port management and various organisations concerned having taken special efforts to brighten the image of this port, the need of the hour is to ensure a situation of certainty and discipline on Willingdon Island rather than creating impediments, he said.

The container lorry workers had called a lightening strike since Friday to protest against the ban on a lorry labourer from entering the wharf for seven days. His employer was served a notice by the DP World authorities alleging that the labourer had violated discipline on the wharf.

Meanwhile, the lorry strike entered the fourth day on Monday with the workers refusing to abide with the terms and conditions put forth by DP World with regard to the security at the terminal. The DP World officials said that they had held discussions with the trade unions and various port users on Monday in which they have stated they would give importance to safety, security and process changes in the terminal, which would enhance productivity.

DP World has also decided to stop the entry of cleaners in the lorry into the terminal from Tuesday as they have no role inside the terminal. The cleaners would be provided with separate rest rooms outside the terminal before the trailers enter the terminal for loading and unloading purpose.

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