Container movement at Cochin Port hit

Kochi, Sep 24 (UNI) Movement of containers to and from Conchin Port has been paralysed for the past three days following a flash strike by container trailer workers since Monday night after an altercation with CISF personnel.

Talks initiated by the Regional Labour Commissioner today to break the deadlock failed with the container trailer workers demanding action against the CISF personnel, who allegedly manhandled some of their colleagues on Monday night.

According to Port sources, nearly 300 export containers are stranded outside the terminal.

Describing the strike as ''unjustified'', Cochin Port Management (CPT) officials said it was not right to go on a lightning strike, without any notice, for every small reason.

Just last month, container lorry drivers and crew had gone on a strike over the issue of long waiting period for offloading at the terminal.

''Such frequent strikes at a time when the CPT is going all out to canvass business from other States is unfortunate,'' they added.

CPT Chairman N Ramachandran yesterday ordered an internal inquiry into the incident and the report is to be submitted within one week.

UNI ARC GM SD ND1840