Proposed port

New Delhi, July 15 (UNI) The proposed strike by port and dock workers from tomorrow has been called off following announcements made by Shipping Minister T R Baalu, which included merger of 50 per cent DA with basic pay with effect from January 1, 2007.

The strike notice was withdrawn immediately after the Chief Labour Comissioner (Central) conducted the final conciliation meeting between the Management and the Indian Ports Association and Labour Federations here today, a ministry statement said.

At a function to dedicate the 9th Berth of Tuticorin Port Trust to the nation last evening, Mr Baalu had also announced the payment of one-time lump sum adjustable advance, from January 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008, calculated at 13.5 per cent of the existing basic pay.

The amount will be paid within one month from the date of settlement, and adjusted at the time of disbursement of arrears of pay and allowances arising out of next long-term wage settlement, due from January 1, 2007.

Mr Baalu had also announced that the standard wages for computation of productivity linked reward will be raised from Rs 2,500 a month to Rs 3,500 a month with effect from April 1, 2006.

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