Indian port workers defer nationwide strike after talks with govt

A meeting of the unions, minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) on wage revision and pension benefits reached consensus.

The call for strike was a worry for traders and transporters, who anticipated congestion and price hikes.

“The nationwide indefinite strike called by six federations of port and dock workers from August 28 is deferred consequent on a memorandum of understanding between the chairman of the IPA, the MD [managing director] of IPA, and representatives of the six federations,” a joint statement said.

The statement was issued by the All India Port and Dock Workers Federation, the All India Port and Dock Workers Federation (Workers), the Water Transport Workers Federation of India, the Indian National Port and Dock Workers Federation, the Port dock and Waterfront Workers Federation of India and the Bharatiya Port and Dock Mazdoor Mahasangh.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)