Strike at Cochin Port called off following conciliation talks:CPT

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

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

A section of the 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 struck a tough line and said that the authorities ''will not tolerate indiscipline in the guise of union activities''.

Port operations had been 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.

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

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

''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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