Initiatives have been set in motion to deter a potential nationwide port strike in India. The Indian Ports Association (IPA), which oversees 12 major or public ports in the country, has reached out to dockworker unions with an updated wage increase proposal. This gesture aims to forestall the unions' planned indefinite strike commencing on 28 August.
According to discussions with Container News, representatives from the labour unions confirmed the IPA's communication. A union spokesperson revealed, "The labour federations are studying the proposal and will hold a joint meeting between ourselves on 24 Aug. to decide the next course of action." Despite this, the unions remain steadfast in their demands, dismissing the proposal as insufficient for negotiation. "The proposed revisions are meagre," a representative remarked, highlighting that the last wage adjustment occurred in 2017 and was scheduled for renewal in 2022.
The IPA has scheduled a preliminary negotiation session with the labour representatives for 27 August, aiming to avert the impending strike. The authority emphasized that any wage adjustment must align with the ministry's directive, which mandates that the labour cost per physical unit of output should not increase. Consequently, the IPA suggested that individual ports could implement the settlement plan in a phased manner to maintain control over labour costs.
As the date for the proposed meeting in New Delhi approaches, it is uncertain whether an agreement will be reached to prevent the strike. The standoff between the unions and port management has raised concerns over potential disruptions to trade, especially given the ongoing challenges linked to the Red Sea.
Source: containernews.com