IGTPL not adhering to agreement : Union Forum

Kochi, Nov 26 (UNI) The joint forum of Trade Unions at Cochin Port Trust (CPT) today alleged that the Dubai Port World (India Gateway Terminal Private Limited (IGTPL) had flouted the clauses of the licence agreement with CPT, and was working against the interests of the labourers working at the Port.

Talking to reporters here, Forum General Convener P M Mohammed Haneef said '' IGTPL was not giving the revenue share of 33.33 per cent, payable to the CPT after taking over the operations of the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal.'' He said the company was levying exorbitant charges to handle containers compared to other ports in India.

Besides, IGTPL was also levying lorry parking and stowing charges, which were illegal and not approved by the Tariff Authority of Major Ports (TAMP), he added.

Mr Mohammed reiterated that IGTPL was bound to adhere to Indian labour laws relating to collective bargaining and change of service conditions.

'' The company should take steps to give proper wages to the labourers and protect them under the law of land,'' he noted.

He said the CPT also lacked proper infrastructure to handle bulk or break bulk cargo.

'' For the last 20 years, the port management had not cared for procuring modern ships to shore cranes to handle cargo, multi-purpose cranes and new berths,'' he alleged.

The Representatives of eight unions -- Cochin Port Staff Association, Cochin Port Employees Organisation, Cochin Port Wharf Staff Association, Cochi Thuramugha Thozilali Union, Cochin Port Labour Union, Cochin Port and Dock Employees Union, Cochin Port Thozhilali Union and Cochin Port Employees Sangh, were also present.

UNI