Go-slow agitation affects handling of import and export cargo

Mangalore, May 7 (UNI) The go-slow agitation launched by the Cargo handling workers of the New Mangalore Port near here since May 2 had badly affected the handling of both import and export cargo.

A press release issued NMPL here today said that duue to go-slow tactics two vessels with Urea for agriculturists of this region are badly affected.

As against 505 Tonnes handled last month, they had handled only 267 Tonnes. Also the import of containers which brought raw materials for the local cashew exporters where more than 5000 persons employed in the processing was made to suffer.

The discharge of the containers per shift per gang is only 32 as against last month's performance of 62.

Due to this, container vessel sailed out on May 6 without taking 250 export containers from Mangalore, it said.

The release said that on May 2, the cargo handling workers of the Port suddenly stopped the work, Assistant Labour Commissioner(C) intervened and work started with the understanding that normalcy would be restored. However workers adopted go slow tactics from second shift onwards.

The Secretary of the NMPT in the release said that it was understood that their (the workers) intention was to make stevedores to pay money by cash. Earlier, it was understood they were paid by cheques wherein income tax was to be recovered. This was only because of the go slow tactics adopted by cargo handling workers.

The Cargo Handling Workers earn huge amount of wages and incentives ranging from Rs 36,000 to Rs 55,000 per month apart from all benefits as extended to regular employees.

In addition, they demand extra cash payments from Stevedores, the release said.

He said that in spite of repeated requests from the Chairman and the Management to the workers, leaders and their family members, there has been no positive response. Due to go slow work there was a great loss of revenue to the port, port users and to the nation as a whole. On request of the Port management, he said in the release that the ALC(C) and the conciliation officer had held four meetings in the last 7 days, he said adding that the workers should realise the huge loss suffered by the nation and the workers should cooperate for smooth working of the Port.

UNI MA SIV SKB1810