On Tuesday, unions representing port and dock workers postponed their planned nationwide strike after discussions with the Indian Government addressed their concerns regarding pay revisions and allowances, easing tensions and preventing disruptions to the country’s shipping operations.
“The nationwide indefinite strike called by six federations of port and dock workers from August 28 is deferred consequent on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Chairman of the IPA, the MD of IPA, and representatives of the six federations,” a joint statement said.
The statement was endorsed by leaders from several unions, including the All India Port and Dock Workers Federation, All India Port and Dock Workers Federation (Workers), Water Transport Workers Federation of India, Indian National Port and Dock Workers Federation, Port Dock and Waterfront Workers Federation of India, and Bharatiya Port and Dock Mazdoor Mahasangh.
The workers’ unions consented to an 8.5% pay increase over five years, as outlined in a document signed by union leaders and reviewed by Reuters, after initially seeking a raise of approximately 10.6%.
A pivotal meeting involving labour unions from the country’s 12 major ports, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) reached an agreement on wage revisions and pension benefits, likely preventing a strike that could have disrupted India’s shipping industry.
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