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Kochi, Jan. 31 Trade unions of Cochin Port Trust have submitted a memorandum to the visiting Parliamentary standing committee on labour, alleging denial of rights of workers by the port management.

Various unions such as Cochin Port Staff Association, Cochin Thuramukha Thozhilali Union and Cochin Port Employees Organisation submitted before the Parliamentary committee that the atmosphere at the port was not conducive to cordial relations.

They pointed out that statutory settlements are blatantly violated and service conditions are unilaterally changed by the management, resulting in frequent labour unrest at the port.

Letters addressed to the authorities by trade unions regarding labour issues are not responded to properly or not even considered, the unions alleged.

It is pointed out in the memorandum that the deployment of private labour for port- related cargo handling work is regulated by Kerala Head Load Workers Welfare Board. The wages and social security benefits in respect of these workers are also governed by the Head Load Workers Welfare Act. However, the wages paid to these pool workers are less than what permanent port workers are paid.

The unions also appealed to the Parliamentary committee to consider the introduction of secret ballot in all major ports at the national level and to abolish the existing unfair system of check off, that has been introduced in the port in 1998 to ascertain the membership (strength) of the trade unions in the port.

The unions also raised various other issues such as employment of contract workers, lack of proper canteen facilities, appointment of dependents, 50 per cent casual service for pensioners’ benefits and filling up of vacant posts.

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

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