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Operations at the Kochi port have come to a standstill with a section of the workers continuing with their strike which entered the seventh day today.
Loading and unloading operations inside the port are not going on, port sources said, adding that three ships have been diverted to other ports. Six ships are waiting in the port for unloading their cargo.
Since the last few days, a section of trade unions representing certain categories of workers in the Willingdon Island have been resorting to agitations raising various demands.
The sources said none of the employees or trade unions representing the port employees are participating in the strike. The strike began with the issue over direct loss of employment with the shifting of port operations, once the International Container Transhipment Terminal is commissioned on February 11 by the Prime Minister.
According to the port, about 70 odd workers engaged by private agencies in various onboard shipping operations are likely to be directly affected by the shifting of the operations to Vallarpadam.
On being persuaded by the port trust, Dubai Port World, which will be operating the new terminal, has instructed the new contractor to absorb all the 70 odd workers, subject to their physical fitness. These workers would be given retirement with full settlement benefits by their existing employers and would be absorbed by the new employer.
The Steamer Agents Association (the present employers) has assured that the employment of all those who are not able to get absorbed in new jobs, will be protected and they will continue to remain in their employment. Thus, the issue regarding loss of employment has been resolved.
The workers are also demanding continued operation of Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal (RGCT) and restoration of the turn system for trucks. The port trust has made it clear that the licence agreement signed with Dubai Port World clearly says that coastal container handling in RGCT can be done only with the prior consent of DPW.
Repeated efforts made by the port trust to persuade Dubai Port World in this direction have failed and it is not possible for the port to force a decision against the principles of contract law, the sources said.
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