Indian port workers announce indefinite strike

The All-India Port Workers’ Federation has announced an indefinite strike starting 28 August 2024, impacting major ports across India. The strike stems from unsuccessful negotiations with the Ministry of Shipping regarding overdue wage revisions and pension benefits, unresolved since the previous agreement expired in December 2021.

Key Details of the Strike:

• Participants: Approximately 20,000 dockworkers from major ports, including Chennai, Cochin, and Mumbai.
• Demands: Workers are demanding immediate pay scale revisions, payment of arrears and pension benefits retroactive to January 2022.
• Impact on Operations: The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions in cargo handling and intensify congestion at ports, affecting global supply chains during the peak festive season. Prolonged disruption could lead to major delays and increased costs for businesses reliant on timely shipments.
• Background: The wage dispute began in March 2021 with the formation of a bipartite negotiation committee, which failed to reach an agreement despite multiple meetings. Unions have criticized the government’s lack of engagement and failure to uphold workers’ rights.

Advisory for Customers and Partners:

In light of the strike, we advise our customers and partners to:

• Plan Ahead: Expect potential delays in cargo handling and explore alternative shipping methods for time-sensitive shipments.
• Stay Updated: Monitor the latest updates from port authorities and shipping companies regarding the strike’s impact on operations.
• Exercise Patience: Anticipate backlogs, as freight forwarding companies are already notifying customers about potential disruptions.

We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Your understanding and cooperation during this period are greatly appreciated.

Information Desk
NNR Global Logistics India Pvt. Ltd.

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