Ex-Im hit roadblock as trailer crew strike continues at Kochi

Kochi: Various trade bodies, including Spices Board, Seafood Export Association of India, have approached the Cochin Port Trust Chairman, requesting him to settle at the earliest the ongoing strike by trailer crew.


They were of the view that the things are getting worse in the port on account of the strike, which is affecting the export business of various agencies. Seafood exports had incurred a loss of around Rs 15 crore on account of the strike that commenced on Sunday midnight.


Most of the exporters had started diverting the cargo to other ports to meet the delivery schedule. The Port Chairman, Mr N. Ramachandran said that the problem is beyond the control of the port and it is purely between truck owners and their employees.


'We have no locus standi to intervene in it. I can only appeal to these people that the work in the port should not be affected,' he said.


However, the Chairman said that the port is ready to offer a platform where the striking workers and owners can discuss and settle the issue amicably.


The port officials are in talks with the trailer crew separately to persuade them to come to an understanding and restore normalcy in the port, he added.