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V. Sajeev Kumar

Kochi, Sept. 13 The shipping fraternity in Kochi port are keeping their fingers crossed over the delay in reviving the 24x7 work hours in the port following the boycott of trade unions from the system on account of a labour dispute with the container terminal operator.

Sources in the port pointed out that both the port management and the India Gateway Terminal authorities are not showing any interest to settle the issue in the overall interests of the trade.

The question of ‘who should pay the overtime allowance to workers in the container terminal’ (the port or the IGT management) is the reason behind the delay in finding a solution in reviving the round clock work hours, the sources added.

According to vessel operators, the introduction of 24x7 with hot seat exchange system has led to faster turnaround of vessels and also improved productivity in the terminal.

Given the situation, both the port and the trade unions have a major role in changing the image of the port, as there is a general feeling in the exporting community outside that the cargo might be laid up in view of the strike threat.

The unions, instead of giving strike threats, should extend all co-operation to the management to settle disputes through mutual discussions.

The Container Shipping Lines Association (India) has sent a letter to the port Chairman requesting him to consider the issue as a matter of the highest priority.

The association pointed out that Kochi is a growing hub port and with the development of the new container facility will attain a much greater significance.

It is imperative, therefore, that the reliability of the port is well established falling which, it will be difficult to attract transhipment business.

The current difficulties with the port labour are not entirely helpful in establishing the required reputation for reliability and may well, unless they are quickly dealt with, prejudice the future development of the port, the association said.

The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry viewed that the introduction of 24x7 work hours had paved the way for enhancing the image, productivity of the port and faster turnaround of vessels.

However, now with the unions deciding unilaterally to revert to the old system of the three shift operation spanning 22 and a half hours, six days a week are going to see the gains of the last two months frittered away.

With projects such as the Vallarpadom Terminal and the like slated for the future, there is a need to move along a positive trajectory to realise the true potential of the Kochi port.

The chamber hoped that talks between the port and the unions will be able to resolve the current impasse and that the issue will be resolved amicably keeping in mind the best interests of the port.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Shipping

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