Strike at Cochin Port called off after talks: CPT

Kochi, Mar 17 (UNI) The strike by a section of workers at Cochin Port was called off 'unconditionally' this evening while port authorities agreed to withdraw the suspension of five port workers, following conciliation talks held by the Regional Labour Commissioner, the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) said today.

In a press release, a CPT spokesman said the 'union has regretted its conduct and offered to withdraw the strike unconditionally and the Port on its part has agreed to withdraw suspension orders after observing formalities as per rules.' The strike days would be treated as dies-non and the Port Trust would continue its policy of strict action to curb indiscipline.

A section of employees, spearheaded by the Cochin Port Staff Association (CPSA) had gone on a lightning strike yesterday to protest against the suspension of five CPSA members, including its general secretary and three secretaries.

While the CPSA accused the port authorities of adopting an 'anti-labour attitude', Cochin Port Trust chairman N Ramachandran took a tough line and said the authorities 'will not tolerate indiscipline in the guise of union activities'.

Port operations were affected yesterday with two passenger ships from Lakshadweep stranded for several hours till late last night.

Similarly, a vessel bound for Lakshadweep from here was also held up.

Port authorities had last night enlisted the help of the Navy and with the help of naval personnel and equipment, the operations were fully restored this morning, the CPT said.

Stressing the need for 'professional work culture', the CPT said a section of the unions had been 'insisting on their unfettered and unlimited rights to be above all laws and regulations.' It said on March 15 night, a group of CPSA activists was seen moving from one office to another, shouting slogans and using foul language, asking people to strike work, without rovocation.

'In the interest of enforcing discipline, the port management had placed five of these workers under suspension and ordered disciplinary proceedings. In protest against this action, that union went on strike on March 16, without any notice. They resorted to use of force to prevent other willing workers from working and were seen chasing away workes using force and foul language,' it added.

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