Vasco Goa, 24 November 2024
The National Coordination Committee of Major Port Workers Federations, representing six major port federations, has issued a strong warning against the Indian Ports Association (IPA) for its failure to implement the wage settlement agreement signed on 27 September 2024. The agreement, which revised the wage structure and service conditions of Group C and D port workers, was meant to take effect retrospectively from 1 January 2022 but remains unimplemented two months after being finalized.
The settlement came after prolonged negotiations and was facilitated by the intervention of the Hon’ble Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways. Following threats of an indefinite strike in August 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was reached, leading to the settlement under the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947. Despite this, the IPA has yet to circulate the agreement to port authorities, raising widespread discontent among port workers and retirees.
Decisions Taken by the National Coordination Committee
In a meeting held in Goa on 23–24 November 2024, the committee outlined a phased plan of action to mobilize workers and pensioners against the IPA’s “lethargic and anti-labour attitude”:
1. 28 November 2024:
Affiliates of the six federations will submit formal letters to respective Chairpersons of all major ports, demanding the immediate implementation of the settlement.
2. 5 December 2024 – Protest Day:
Workers across major ports will observe Protest Day by wearing badges and participating in mass demonstrations outside the administrative buildings of their respective ports.
3. 10 December 2024 – Pensioners’ Protest:
Pensioners and family members, with the support of serving employees, will organize mass demonstrations at port administrative buildings to demand the release of pensionary benefits and settlement implementation.
4. 17 December 2024 – Indefinite Strike:
If no progress is made by 15 December 2024, port workers across the country will resort to industrial action, including an indefinite strike starting on or after 17 December 2024.
Key Participants
The meeting was attended by prominent leaders from all six federations, including representatives from ports in Mumbai, Cochin, Kandla, Chennai, Tuticorin, New Mangalore, JNPT, Vizag, and Goa.
Participating Federations
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 reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for port workers and retirees. They have condemned the IPA’s inaction as a violation of statutory agreements and urged the government to intervene promptly to avert disruptions in port operations, which are critical to India’s economy.
