Ministry Approves Wage Revision for Port Workers

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways approved a wage structure revision for workers at 12 major ports, benefiting 20,000 permanent employees. An MoU outlines a fitment benefit and other service conditions for five years. Worker unions deferred their strike following this agreement.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways on Wednesday approved a wage structure revision for around 20,000 permanent employees at 12 major ports.

The revision follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) and the Indian Port Association (IPA). The agreement includes an 8.5 percent fitment benefit on the aggregate basic pay as of December 31, 2021, plus 30 percent VDA as of January 1, 2022.

Port and dock workers' unions have deferred their planned indefinite strike following this agreement, which was reached after a marathon meeting in the national capital. The settlement, which covers the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2026, also includes a special allowance of Rs 500 per month and pensionary benefits. Both parties aim to align future wage revisions from January 1, 2027, to avoid anomalies. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that this resolution underscores the ministry's commitment to a harmonious working environment across Indian ports.

(With inputs from agencies.)