by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

The JNPT Container Operators Association has postponed their planned voluntary suspension of operations, originally scheduled for 20 August 2024, to 9 September 2024.

This decision came after a meeting led by Shri Unmesh Wagh, Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), where key stakeholders discussed challenges at empty container yards.

Kuehne+Nagel reports that the stakeholders decided to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to improve operations. Online payments for empty yards will start on 1 September 2024.

The Transport Association has also deferred their planned strike to allow time for SOP implementation and assessment.

Risk of strike looms across India's ports

Due to unmet demands for pay, benefits, and pensions, India's major port workers warned of an indefinite walkout beginning on 28 August 2024.

Despite months of negotiations and several meetings, no agreement has been reached since the previous pay settlement expired in 2021.

The strike may affect major ports, including Nhava Sheva, Chennai, Tuticorin, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam.

Kuehne+Nagel reports that shipping lines do not expect a major impact on container operations as container terminals are run by private organizations under separate contracts.

However, with the mooring crew joining the strike, vessel movements could face delays.

While the duration of the strike remains unknown, sources say it is likely to go on for one day only.

According to local news, the government is pursuing a resolution to meet the demands of workers.