The Hindu Business Line : Strike wave hits Kochi port

Disruption of operations at Kochi port on account of wildcat strikes seems to have become the order of the day. The port lost a total of 21 man days in the past four months.

The dawn of 2009 witnessed a two-day strike by trailer crew on January 6 and 7 that affected operations of the traffic department. The same crew again went on strike in the last week of January, alleging police excesses which caused a loss of four mandays. There was another strike from February 20 to 27 by port workers against implementation of Access Control System in port departments. The port also lost two man days on April 9 and 10 due to protests against holiday booking. Besides, there were a few more strikes, upsetting port operations.

Manning scales

Now comes the current strike since April 26, against implementation of the new manning scales, which has hampered the movement of vessels to and from the port, forcing the management to seek the assistance of the Navy for handling tugs and small vessels for mooring ships.

The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with other stakeholders and port users, is very concerned at the turn of events in the port in recent times. The Chamber President, Mr Satish Murti, said the present situation is seriously affecting the port’s credibility. In 2009 alone, the port lost a record number of mandays because of various strikes called by different unions. This is unheard of in the history of any port and this situation cannot be allowed to continue, he said.

Mr Suresh Joseph, General Manager, DP World, pointed out that the port’s infrastructure is considered highly strategic and any attempt to paralyse it can be treated as virtually a war against the state. Unwarranted strikes need to be dealt with firmly by the State and Central Governments as the State also suffers a huge economic loss on this account.

The striking unions said the implementation of the existing manning scales in tune with the Tribunal award would drastically reduce the workforce in the cargo handling and marine operations to about 40 per cent. Workers would become redundant and face retrenchment.

Alleging infringement of the provisions of the election code of conduct, the port unions also approached the Election Commission seeking a direction to the Shipping Ministry to withdraw the order on the new manning scales in all the major ports.

Better functioning

Senior port officials clarified that the 380 workers who were on the rolls of the Marine Department would not lose their jobs following the implementation of the revised manning scales and with the curbs imposed on working overtime. At the most, a few workers would be shifted to other departments within the port. The restrictions imposed on working overtime would result in better functioning of the department, with the extra workers kept in reserve to cater to any labour shortfall arising from leave and weekly offs, the officials said.

The port began implementing the new manning scales as part of its cost-cutting measures. The expenses incurred on account of salaries and wages had risen to 60 per cent, which was considered unhealthy, the officials added.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Shipping/Ports | Kerala

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