Trade unions strike hits CPT

Kochi, Aug 16 (UNI) Container movement from the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) was badly affected following a strike called by major trade unions demanding higher bonus.

Official sources here today said talks between the District Labour Officer and the trade unions, including CITU, INTUC and TUCI failed as the workers struck to their demand for a bonus of Rs 4,000 for drivers and Rs 3,000 for helpers.

The container trailer owners were reluctant to give more than 20 per cent of last year's bonus, which came to Rs 3,500 for drivers and Rs 1,250 for helpers. The workers had called for the strike from midnight last night.

Meanwhile, the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry sought the intervention of Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Labour Minister P K Gurudasan to resolve the issue.

''If the strike is allowed to continue, it will adversely affect the cash flow of the business community as well as the interests of the Cochin Port,'' the association said in a release.

UNI