Workers sacked by cargo handler Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT) held a sit-in demonstration demanding reinstatement outside the Haldia Dock complex on Friday.
HBT, a joint venture between private sector operator ABG-LDA and Kolkata Port Trust, retrenched 275 employees on September 24 to “right-size its workforce”. HBT handles dry bulk cargo at the two mechanised berths at Haldia port.
Restraining order
According to Suvendu Adhikari, Trinamool MP from Tamluk, the retrenched workers and their family members were fighting for their rights. “275 people have lost their jobs. What else they can do, if they lose jobs?” Adhikari asked.
The demonstrations took place despite a Calcutta High Court order on October 19 barring all trade union activity within 100 metres of the dock complex.
“The retrenched workmen as well the unions to which they owe allegiance shall be entitled to carry on trade union activities, but shall stay at a distance of 100 metres on either side of the entry gates of the HDC,” the Court said in its interim order following a writ petition filed by the cargo handler.
The private cargo handler has suspended operations at HDC since September 25 citing “lawlessness”.