The federations of port and dock workers have decided to defer their protest before the Transport Bhavan in the Capital on September 5. A decision in this regard was taken following an assurance by the Shipping Secretary to union leaders.

In view of this positive approach , the leaders of the five federations unanimously decided to defer the call, said T. Narendra Rao, General Secretary of the Water Transport Workers Federation of India, in a statement.

The other four federations are — All India Port and Dock Workers’ Federation; All India Port and Dock Workers’ Federation (W); Indian National Port and Dock Workers’ Federation; and the Port, Dock and Waterfront Workers’ Federation of India.

Bonus settlement

He said the Shipping Secretary had called the meeting to discuss some long pending issues like payment of productivity linked reward (bonus) for the year 2010-11, and the settlement for payment of bonus from 2011-12 to 2013-14.

The meeting also discussed the issue of implementation of recommendations of Afzul Purkar committee’s report regarding categorisation and classification of port workers at all the major ports.

The Secretary had informed that the existing bonus settlement was recommended for the Union Cabinet’s approval and to extend the same till 2013-14 so that the balance amount for the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 would be paid at the earliest. The Secretary had also assured the leaders that the government would implement the recommendations of the Afzul Purkar committee.

According to Rao, the Shipping Secretary further agreed to strengthen the autonomy of Port Trust Boards which have been facing obstacles due to the issuing of adverse guidelines to port administrations from the Ministry. Besides, he has agreed to meet the leaders of labour federations once every three months to sort out problems of the port and dock workers.

sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in

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