Major Wage Revision Cleared for India’s Port Workers, Strike Averted

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways approved a wage structure revision for workers at major Indian ports, preventing an indefinite strike. The MoU signed between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee and the Indian Port Association includes wage revisions and other service conditions. A scheduled draft committee meeting will finalize the settlement.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has announced a significant revision in the wage structure for workers at major ports across the country, effectively averting a looming strike. This development was confirmed through an official statement released on Wednesday.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee and the Indian Port Association. This crucial agreement led to the suspension of an indefinite strike, which was poised to disrupt operations at 12 major ports in India. The MoU covers revised wage structures, pensionary benefits, and includes a fitment benefit of 8.5 percent on the basic pay as of December 31, 2021, together with 30 percent variable dearness allowance effective from January 1, 2022.

Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal lauded the timely resolution, noting its importance in maintaining a harmonious working environment. A draft committee meeting is set for August 28, 2024, with the aim to finalize the settlement within ten days. The management has committed to concluding negotiations within 15 days, prompting six federations to defer the planned strike.

(With inputs from agencies.)