Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Jan 23: All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) and All India Ports Workers Federation (AIPWF) have jointly called for an indefinate Port strike on January 29 demanding streamlining of wages and service conditions and strict implementation of labour laws.

Addressing media here on Tuesday January 23, AIPWF vice president Shankar said, "Management of shipping companies are not willing to implement any labour laws, nor are they willing to take care of safety, security and well being of their own workers. There are no minimum wages as declared by the central government. All workers are left with no option but to work for 12/24 hours but are not paid overtime wages and neither are they given any holidays. Wages are deducted from their meager salary for a day's leave in case taken for any exigencies or family emergencies.

He also said, "NMPT has no concern for workers who enter the port. They do not provide any facilities likes ESI, PF, minimum wages and overtime wages. If something goes wrong the worker is only admitted into hospital and left in the lurch. Hence we demand implementation of labour laws, NMPT to act as watchdog in enforcing labour laws, negotiate three years agreement which can regulate wages and service conditions for all shipping companies and other workers who are involved in operations and activities connected with and related to port activity.

We will also take out a rally on January 27 from Hampankatta to DC office demanding the same.

Social activist Vidya Dinaker, state secretary Appanna, Mohan, Diwakar and others were present.