New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has said that All-India Port Workers’ Federation (AIPWF) is spreading false propaganda to tarnish the image of the port. This follows the indefinite stir by AIPWF members since January 29, seeking the implementation of labour laws by shipping companies involved in cargo handling at the port.

A press release by Biju Warrier, Secretary of NMPT, said here on Monday that the actions of AIPWF within the port premises from January 29 are not justified since NMPT is not their employer and the federation does not represent any port employee.

It said that the representatives of the registered trade unions recognised by NMPT have expressed their solidarity with the port in denouncing the activities of the AIPWF within the port area. The port management emphatically states that the workers engaged by the logistics providers, and clearing and forwarding (C&F) agents must get their grievances addressed by their employers, it said.

Another press release by the Association of New Mangalore Port Stevedores alleged that the federation has instigated some drivers belonging to the logistic companies to go on an indefinite stir. AIPWF is not recognised by the NMPT, it said.

Meanwhile sources in the port told BusinessLine that all the shipping activities inside the port are normal. However, the export-import trade and the port have made contingency plan to offset the impact of the stir by permitting the trade to stuff and de-stuff the containers inside the port so that the trade is not hurt, the sources added.

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