Trailer crew stir hits cargo traffic at Vallarpadam

Movement of cargo to and from the Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal continued to be hit for the fourth consecutive day on Tuesday following a strike by the trailer crew demanding better amenities and entry for lorry cleaners into the terminal.

3,000 boxes

Nearly 3,000 containers are stranded due to the strike. However, DP World officials claimed that operations inside the terminal aregoing on in full swing and there has been no congestion due to the strike.

Mr K.K. Krishnadas, DP World, Kochi Chief Executive Officer, said the terminal was witnessingan agitation by the truckers' union, where the truckers are agitating for their cleaners' access into the terminal.

Safety measures

He pointed out that the company had taken adequate safety and security measures and none of the business processes can compromise on the importance of safety.

. To avoid instances of accidental injury, he said the company had to restrict entry of trailer cleaners, since they do not have any work inside the terminal.

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He said the company has provided rest area for the cleaners at Vallarpadam.

Entry passes

It is pointed out that the stand-off between the Customs officials and Central Industrial Security Force personnel guarding the ICTT over entry passes triggered the strike by the trailer crew.

Customs officials have objected to the CISF insisting on passes issued by the Security Force for entry into the terminal area.

This led to substantial delay in clearance of containers which in turn irked the trailer crew.