The Hindu Business Line : Go-slow affects fertiliser, cashew handling at New Mangalore port

A press release by the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) said here on Wednesday that the go-slow tactics has affected two vessels with urea cargo, affecting agriculturists of the region.

As against the handling of 505 tonnes per shift per gang last month, the workers handled 267 tonnes of fertilisers per shift per gang during May as on date.

Cashew industry

Stating that cashew industry in the region is also affected, the release said the discharge of the containers per shift per gang is only 32 as against 62 containers per shift per gang last month.

One container vessel sailed out on Tuesday without taking 250 export containers from Mangalore. This is only because of the go-slow tactics adopted by cargo-handling workers, the release said.

It may be mentioned here that cargo-handling workers at the port have been adopting go-slow attitude in their operations since May 2, seeking the payment of money to them in cash rather than in cheque.

The release said that the cargo-handling workers earn huge amount of wages and incentives ranging from Rs 36,000 to Rs 55,000 a month apart from all benefits as extended to regular employees. In addition, they demand extra cash payments from stevedores.

Requests

In spite of repeated requests from the Chairman of the NMPT and management to the workers, leaders and their family members, there has been no positive response.

On request of the port management, the Assistant Labour Commissioner, who is the conciliation officer, had held four meetings in the last seven days. The workers should realise the huge loss suffered by the nation and cooperate for smooth working of the port, the release said.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr M. Shekar Pujari, President of the Association of New Mangalore Port Stevedores, said that go-slow attitude is causing a huge loss to the export-import trade, stevedores, shipping companies and charters, and also huge loss to the national exchequer in the form of demurrages. From May 2-7, demurrages of Rs 95 lakh has been paid, he said.

This go-slow attitude will affect the farmers and cause deficit in food grain production other than contributing to inflation, he added.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Shipping

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

Stories in this Section
Iran permits daily flights to Kochi

No airline can refuse passenger on stretcher: new DGCA guidelines

Singapore Airlines hikes fuel surcharge from May 12

Jet starts Mumbai-Bangkok flights

Kochi port moves Centre for capital dredging grant

Hindustan Shipyard delivers bulk carrier to Goodearth Maritime

Go-slow affects fertiliser, cashew handling at New Mangalore port

Pvt box train operators keen to step up operations in eastern region