Go slow hits Chennai port operations

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JAN. 23. Loading and unloading operations at the container terminal in Chennai Port has been hit, following a `go slow' strike by workers.

The workers have resorted to `go slow' tactics for two weeks in support of their demand for increased incentive with retrospective effect from 1997.

According to Port Trust sources, while the management is ready to sanction the increased productivity linked incentive (PLI) for the workers, it has no powers to implement the scheme retrospectively. As it has to get the permission of the Centre, it has written to it seeking its advice in this connection.

Following the strike, the normal handling of container boxes which was about 110 per shift had come down to 30 to 40 boxes. It has also affected the turn around time for vessels. The waiting time for ships at berths which was three days before the strike had increased to six days now, the sources added.

Meanwhile the Container Corporation of India (Concord), which moves boxes to and from Chennai Port to various centres, is yet to feel the pinch of the strike. According to Concord sources, there was some delay in getting the boxes from the Port for their onward movement. However, movement of containers to the Port from Concord was normal.

A few exporters in Bangalore are said to have moved their container boxes to Tuticorin Port following the strike in Chennai. Importers said it was difficult to change the destination of container vessels all of a sudden as it required a number of formalities to be gone through.

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Section  : National
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