Goa, December 5, 2024
The National Coordination Committee of Six Federations, representing Group C and D employees of India’s Major Ports, has announced a series of protest actions in response to the Indian Ports Association’s (IPA) delay in implementing the wage settlement agreed upon on September 27, 2024.
This settlement, signed under the conciliation of the Regional Labour Commissioner in Mumbai, revised the wage structure and service conditions, including pensionary benefits, for port workers with retrospective effect from January 1, 2022. However, two months after its signing, the IPA has failed to forward the settlement to the respective port authorities for implementation.
Background
The wage revision negotiations began after the expiry of the previous agreement on December 31, 2021. A Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) was constituted by the Ministry of Shipping on June 2, 2022. Following repeated delays, the federations had threatened an indefinite strike from August 28, 2024, prompting the intervention of the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
Despite the successful negotiation and signing of the settlement, the IPA’s lack of action has drawn severe criticism.
Protest Plan
In a meeting held in Goa on November 23-24, 2024, the National Coordination Committee decided to mobilize workers with the following measures:
1. Submission of Letters (November 28, 2024): Letters were submitted to Chairpersons of all Major Ports, demanding immediate implementation of the settlement.
2. Protest Day (December 5, 2024): Workers will observe Protest Day by wearing badges and staging mass demonstrations at port administrative buildings.
3. Mass Demonstration (December 10, 2024): Pensioners and family members, supported by serving employees, will hold demonstrations demanding statutory benefits.
4. Industrial Action (From December 17, 2024): If no action is taken, the federations will launch an indefinite strike at all Major Ports.
Demands by Mormugao Port Employees
The Goa Port & Dock Employees Union, representing Mormugao Port Authority workers, will hold a peaceful demonstration today during lunch hours at the port’s main gate. Their key demands include:
Implementation of the BWNC settlement dated September 27, 2024.
Finalization of PLR settlement for 2020-21 to 2025-26 as per Union Cabinet approval.
Elimination of discrimination against Group C and D employees.
Extension of statutory benefits to pensioners and family pensioners.
Union Leaders Speak
Abhay Rane, President of the Goa Port & Dock Employees Union, expressed disappointment with the IPA’s lethargy and called for solidarity among workers to ensure their rightful benefits are implemented.
The union leaders emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations while warning of more stringent industrial actions if the authorities fail to act by December 15, 2024.
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