The declared industrial action is scheduled to begin a strike by dockworkers at Indian ports on 28 August, according to a joint statement issued by various national labour groups due to unresolved issues over pay revision, allowances, and pension benefits.
Rights of Dockworkers
Despite ongoing negotiations for 31 months, no resolution has been reached, prompting dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Shipping’s handling of wage settlements and productivity-linked rewards.
The strike highlights grievances over delayed bonuses, unresolved wage issues, and reduced trade union rights, exacerbated by recent legislative changes centralizing port operations. According to the Chamber of Shipping
Government bracing
The Indian government or so-called major ports are bracing for these potential disruptions due to an indefinite strike threatened by dockworker unions.
“Pathetic situation”
The unions alleged that industrial relations at major ports were in a “pathetic situation” and that it was unfortunate that no negotiations had taken place over the last five years. The port unions want the government to consider their demands in perspective and to avoid strikes at the ports.
Negotiation attempts
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 ministry took a highly provocative stand without having any substantial justification and created a stalemate in the discussions,” said the unions in their joint strike notice.
Challenging of supply chains
Any port disruption, even if with scattered impact, could make supply chains more challenging for Indian shippers already hit hard by the Red Sea crisis, which has sent vessel schedules off-kilter and ocean freight rates unusually high on some routes.
4.3 million TEUs
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 containerized trade shot up 9.6% to 4.3 million TEUs, according to new data obtained by Container News.
