Cargo handling as usual in Cochin Port despite ongoing strikes

Kochi: Traffic was smooth and cargo handling was normal in the Cochin Port Trust even as the strike resorted to by a limited section of port workers entered the second day on Friday.

Senior port officials said here that port operations were continuing without any hindrances and the movement of vessels to and from the port were carried out by the port pilots jointly with the naval authorities. The Chairman of the port, Mr N. Ramachandran, said that there is a need for a professional work culture in the port considering the changing times in the global maritime sector.

Meanwhile, conciliatory efforts were on by the Regional Labour Commissioner to settle the dispute between the management and the striking workers belonging to the Cochin Port Staff Association. The association is on strike since Thursday protesting suspension of five employees. They were suspended for allegedly indulging in union activities during office hours.

However, the Cochin Thuramugha Thozhilali Union, another trade union in the port, has come out against the strike saying that it is unwarranted and without any justification. They said in a press release that the strike had not at all affected the normal operations in the port. There was only some delay in the movement of vessels due to strike but it was later rectified following alternate arrangements made by the port management.

The Union pointed out loading and unloading operations in the container terminal and in other wharves were going on in full swing with the active participation of workers.