Port takes action against striking workers

Initiating disciplinary action against the striking workers of the Marine department, the Cochin Port Trust has issued notices to 380 workers besides suspending one employee from service.      

Port sources said the CPT has initiated action for terminating the services of 14 probationers also.     

The marine department employees are on strike since April 26 protesting implementation of revised manning scales.      

Employees belonging to Kochi Thuramugha Samrakshana Samithi', a joint forum of seven trade unions of CPT,  had resorted to a 24-hour-hartal on May 12.     

The employee, who has been suspended, had tried to disrupt distribution of food materials at the port canteen on the hartal day, the sources said.     

The employees have also been warned that they would suffer 'service break' for absenting from work without notice, the sources added.