MBPT workers strike called off

Transport workers at Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) have called off their indefinite strike following a settlement between the union and the port trust.

Fearing job loss, over 1,500 transport workers of the All India Port and Dock Workers' Union (AIPDW) had launched an indefinite strike on June 23 to protest the MBPT's decision to float tenders for inviting private transport operators to handle freight containers.

"MBPT has agreed to keep in abeyance the tender process for transportation of containers between pre-stack area and container freight stations," AIPDW president S R Kulkarni said.

Kulkarni said the port had agreed to resolve issues raised by the union regarding existing workers of the private transport container operators through discussions and negotiations with all parties.

According to a senior port official, the loss estimated following the eight-day strike is Rs five crore, as there was no container movement between the dock and the port, affecting operations of general cargo as well.

Earlier, talks between Advocate General of Maharashtra and port workers on a directive of the Mumbai High Court failed as the unions demanded that the successful bidder absorb 1,500 transport workers who would be rendered jobless, he added.