Indian government or so-called major ports are bracing for potential disruptions due to an indefinite strike threatened by dockworker unions.
The declared industrial action is scheduled to begin from 28 August, according to a joint statement issued by various national labour groups.
“The [shipping] ministry and the IPA [Indian Ports Association] are remaining indecisive and reluctant to negotiate and conclude settlement on the joint charter of demands submitted on 5 September, 2021 by the five federations,” a notice issued to port authorities said.
The notice further noted: “Even after a lapse of 31 months and having seven BWNC [bipartite wage negotiation committee] meetings, the situation is in a standstill position.”
The unions complained: “The present inordinate delay has been created because of the illegal and illogical attitude of the ministry by forwarding unethical guidelines for the BWNC proceedings.”
They went on to add: “The ministry took a highly provocative stand without having any substantial justification and created as stalemate in the discussions in an unfair manner.”
Union concerns on behalf of dockworkers largely revolve around wage hikes and productivity-linked reward or bonus disbursements remaining unsettled since 2021.
There are 12 major publicly-run ports in India, including Nhava Sheva (JNPT) that accounts for a large chunk of container volumes.
Chennai Port is also a major gateway for the country’s east coast region.
Cargo volumes via major ports from April through July grew 4.5% year-over-year to 278.5 million tonnes. Combined containerised trade shot up 9.6% to 4.3 million TEUs, according to new data obtained by Container News.
While the Adani Group-led marine terminals have made strong inroads into the market over the last few years, more than 50% of Indian ocean trade continues to be handled at so-called major ports.
So, any likely port disruptions will be a setback for India’s growing trade volumes.
Jenny Daniel
Global Correspondent
Contact email: j.daniel@container-news.com
