The six-day old strike by container trailer crew at the International Container Transhipment Terminal at Vallarpadam has been called off on Wednesday night following the decision to relax norms to allow cleaners inside the terminal as a temporary measure.
A settlement in this regard was arrived following discussion between the Port Trust Secretary, DP World officials, Custom House Agents Association, Steamer Agents Association and Truck Owners Association.
It was decided to allow cleaners to have food and attached facilities from the canteen inside the driver's reception through the man entry gate at the terminal.
The cleaners would be allowed entry through the man entry gate after issuing the usual passes. However, their movement would be regulated by the authorities.
MOU signed
A memorandum of agreement was signed between the striking employees and the officials.
According to the agreement, pedestal movement would not be allowed within the terminal premises.
It was also made clear that arrangements was against the usual policy and practices owing to safety reasons and, therefore, it would be a temporary measure until alternative facility was provided within the Gate No: 2.
During the discussions, the unions highlighted the need to provide better basic amenities to the cleaners inside the compound of the ICTT.
The DP World officials said that owing to security reasons, cleaners were not expected to move around on the terminal premises and that was the policy in all terminals.
The Truck Owners Association has offered to put up permanent building and amenities for cleaners if space was provided inside the terminal premises. It was also decided that the DP World would try to provide space after holding discussions with the Port Trust management.