Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The National Coordination Committee of Six Federations of Port and Dock Workers has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Indian Ports Association (IPA) over its delay in implementing the Wage Settlement signed on September 27, 2024. The settlement, which addresses wage revisions and pensionary benefits effective from January 1, 2022, remains unimplemented even two months after its signing.
The Wage Settlement was finalized following extensive negotiations by a Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) constituted on June 2, 2022. The process had been delayed for years, prompting workers to call for an indefinite strike in August 2024. Intervention by the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 27, 2024, and a formal settlement was concluded under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, with the Regional Labour Commissioner (C), Mumbai.
Despite these developments, the IPA has failed to forward the settlement to the Port Authorities for implementation, which the Federations claim reflects a “lethargic and anti-labour attitude.”
Actions Planned by the Federations
In a meeting held on November 23-24, 2024, in Goa, attended by representatives of all six Federations, the following steps were unanimously decided:
1. Submission of Letters: Affiliates of the six Federations will submit letters to the respective Chairpersons of all Major Ports on November 28, 2024, demanding the immediate implementation of the settlement.
2. Protest Day: Workers will observe a Protest Day on December 5, 2024, by wearing badges and organizing mass demonstrations at Port Administrative Buildings.
3. Mass Demonstrations: Pensioners and family members will join workers in holding mass demonstrations on December 10, 2024, to demand implementation of the settlement and payment of pensionary benefits.
4. Industrial Action: If the settlement is not implemented by December 15, 2024, the Federations plan to initiate industrial action, including an indefinite strike, from December 17, 2024.
Leadership and Representation
The meeting was attended by prominent leaders, including P.M. Mohammed Haneef, C.D. Nandkumar, S.R. Apraj, L. Sathyanarayan, V. Sathyanarayanan, N.V. Rajendran, and others representing Cochin, Mumbai, Kandla, Tuticorin, Chennai, and other major ports.
The participating Federations included:
1. All India Port & Dock Workers Federation (HMS)
2. All India Port & Dock Workers Federation (Workers) (HMS)
3. Water Transport Workers Federation of India (CITU)
4. Port Dock & Waterfront Workers Federation of India (AITUC)
5. Indian National Port & Dock Workers Federation (INTUC)
6. Bharatiya Port & Dock Mazdoor Mahasangh (BMS)
The Federations have urged the IPA to act swiftly to prevent disruptions in port operations and protect the welfare of workers, pensioners, and their families.
