Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has protested over the handing over of crew management in dredgers of Dredging Corporation of India at Kochi Port to a private agency at very low tender rates

The CITU affiliated FSUI alleged that the DCI decision has resulted in reduction in wages and benefits to seafarers working on board dredgers from 2006 as the agency refuse to comply with the wage agreement signed by seafarers with National Maritime Board.

FSUI led by crew members and officers also held an agitation in front of DCI project office in Willingdon Island on Friday to protest against such manning arrangements.

Raising doubts over the credibility and experience of the private manning agency in crew management, LF Mohamed, vice president of the seafarers union demanded an enquiry on the tendering process that led to the award of the contract.

The union warned that the demonstration would be extended to DCI head office and on board ships if the management did not adhere to the demand of securing the entitled benefits to seafarers.

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