Cochin Port to work round the clock from July 1

Kochi, Jun 28: To step up productivity and efficiency, the Cochin Port Trust has decided to introduce round the clock handling of cargo from July one.

A spokesman for the CPT said here today that this major decision was taken unanimously following discussions between the port management, the trade unions and the port users.

From July one, the port would introduce a 24-hour shift system in all areas of cargo handling. It will also introduce a 'hot seat exchange' for vital cargo to ensure that cargo handling is carried out without interruption by providing relievers during recess time.

The port will also introduce staggered roster off to operational staff. At present, sundays are observed as holidays for operational staff. Staggered off system will ensure normal cargo handling operations on all seven days in a week, the spokesman said.

Recenly, the port had also set up a 'Business Development Committee' consisting of port users and trade unions to identify different issues affecting productivity and take joint efforts to enhance the port operations.

The CPT chairman had also warned of criminal proceedings against elements who take law in their hands and cause disruption in cargo handling, the spokesman added.

UNI