Date:27/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/27/stories/2006072704000700.htm

Back Port workers' body wants tribunal award stayed

V. Sajeev Kumar

Says `award' was in the nature of an opinion

Controversial decision
The award of the National Tribunal, Kolkata relates to fixation of manning scales in various jobs carried out in the port sector
The All India Port and Dock Workers Foundation has alleged that the award is in favour of the management of the ports and against the interests of the workmen

Kochi , July 26

The All India Port and Dock Workers Federation has requested the Union Shipping Ministry to keep in abeyance the implementation of the award of the National Tribunal, Kolkata, leading to fixation of manning scales related to various jobs carried out in the port sector.

The Federation President, Mr S.R. Kulkarni, in a letter sent to the Shipping Secretary, pointed out that the award given by the Tribunal was not in the nature of an award but just an opinion expressed by the Presiding Officer in the form of proposals and submissions. If implemented it will retard the levels of productivity, adversely affecting the working of the major ports in the country, he said.

Solution sought

Mr Kulkarni, therefore, urged the Government to find a solution to factors affecting the efficient working of the ports and to improve the productivity and efficiency in the ports. This is the least the Government should do in the larger interest of the economy of the country, he said.

"We are of the strong opinion that the implementation of the Award, as such, is not practicable as it will not only jeopardise the port activities but will also mar the industrial relations prevailing in the major ports", he added.

The Federation alleged that the award is in favour of the management of the ports and against the interests of the workmen and the efficient functioning of the major ports. Its implementation will be counter productive and the existing levels of productivity at all the ports are bound to decline, seriously affecting the overseas trade of the country.

Unstinted support

He pointed out that the port and dockworkers had extended their support to the port authorities and the Government to improve efficiency and productivity in the ports, but for which the country would not have achieved such a significant growth in exports and imports.

The marine activities and cargo handling are not the only core activities of the port. All the activities connected with port activities are core activities and the Federation submitted that the Tribunal has not taken into account all other activities in the ports.