Strike cripples Kochi port operations

Movement of cargo to and from the Kochi Port has come to a standstill following a strike called by Trade Union Coordination Committee, reported The Hindu.

The trade unions are demanding to ensure job protection of around 10,000 private labourers engaged in various container-related operations at the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal before shifting the operations to Vallarpadam terminal.

Benny Fernandez, vice-chairman of the Coordination Committee, said that these workers are engaged in various container-related activities in Kochi Port since 1973 when containerisation of cargo operations started here. However, they fear loss of jobs once the operations are shifted to ICTT at Vallarpadam soon.

He pointed out that the strike was announced on August 11, but was put off on requests made by the State Minister for Labour and Central Labour Commissioner. The strike was launched following the failure of two rounds. The talks that were held on Monday also failed to reach any consensus. About 10 trade unions are coming together under the coordination committee.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)