Update: India witnesses multiple protests ahead of potential port strike

Update: India witnesses multiple protests ahead of potential port strike

Indian dockworkers threaten indefinite strike due to unresolved labour disputes, risking major port disruptions and economic impact

by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor


Update: 06.12.2024


Dockworkers in India staged a nationwide protest on Thursday, 5 December, to raise labour-related demands ahead of an indefinite port strike.


The planned strike, set to commence on 17 December if no progress is made by 15 December, aims to cover all 12 state-owned ports in India.


This action follows the failure to agree on wage increases and working conditions.


Around 400 workers participated in the protests in the western port city of Mormugao, which took place at the same time as labour activities in other industries.


Last-minute promises were made in September to prevent a planned strike at the time. The talks included a five-year, 8.5% wage raise. However, the unions have been pushing for a raise of 10.6%.


Original article: 26.11.2024


Local news has recently reported that port workers in India have threatened to go on an indefinite strike in mid-December.


According to the newspaper The Hindu, the workers plan to strike in protest against the delay in wage structure revisions.


During a meeting in Goa, the Major Port Workers Federation's National Coordination Committee criticised the Indian Port Association's (IPA) implementation of the wage settlement signed on 27 September 2024 between major port authorities and unions.


India Shipping News reports that if no progress is made, the strikes could begin as early as 17 December 2024.


Earlier in August, dockworkers threatened to strike indefinitely in India. The strike would have affected multiple ports, including CochinChennai, and Tuticorin.


However, after a meeting held between the port association and the unions, the strikes were averted.

Source: The Hindu Business Line, Shipping Watch, India Shipping News