The Hindu Business Line : Efforts on to improve productivity in Kochi terminal

Kochi, July 9 In view of the serious situation created by frequent work stoppages, the Cochin Port Trust has implemented several measures for strict compliance by all concerned as part of streamlining the operations in the port especially in the container terminal.

Absence

A circular issued by the Port Secretary said that the weekly shift roster would be prepared by the respective departments well in advance and published for the information and compliance of all concerned. No employee shall remain absent without prior permission or prior sanction of leave.

It has also been decided that those persons found to be indulging in illegal strikes etc, thereby, obstructing the work of the port be banned from entering the operational areas of the port and their passes will be withdrawn.

In the event of unauthorised absence without prior approval, such absence would be considered as an act of insubordination and indiscipline and such days of absence will be treated as ‘dies-non’. If any person is found to be resorting to unauthorised absence in order to facilitate overtime bookings for others, such acts would be viewed seriously in addition to treating it as dies non. Wherever there is requirement of additional manpower in each shift, overtime bookings will be resorted to on strict need basis, the circular said.

It has also clarified that persons claiming absence on medical ground should inform his superiors well in advance and also produce medical certificate from the Medical Officer of the Port Hospital.

If the Medical Certificate is issued by any doctor outside the port, the same should be verified and countersigned by the Chief Medical Officer of the Port Trust.

According to port officials, it has been noticed that a section of workers of the port deputed to the India Gateway Terminal as well as a large number of private pool workers have been resorting to illegal lightning strikes, go-slow agitation, unauthorised absence etc, which has recently led to economic loss to the port as well as a steep fall in productivity. Many shipping companies have also expressed their inability to continue services in the port on account of the situation.

While most of the leading trade unions of the port did not support such irresponsible behaviour, certain groups with vested interests have been resorting to such practices to the detriment of the port’s interests, the officials added.