Sept 9, 2009, New Delhi: GK Vasan, the Union Minister of Shipping, took the initiative to break the impasse in the negotiations between the recognised federations and Indian Ports Association (IPA). This averted the impending strike, signalling a great sigh of relief to the maritime community.
A Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) consisting of the representatives of management and the federations of port and dock workers was constituted by the Ministry of Shipping in January 2007. The BWNC held about 20 meetings on wage-related matters of the port and dock employees and workers.
During negotiations, while the management had offered a fitment benefit of 18% of the pay plus dearness allowance, the unions were insisting on fitment benefit of 34%. Being dissatisfied with the management offer, the unions had threatened to go on strike on or after September 15, 2009.
The Minister of Shipping intervened in the matter and held a meeting on September 8, 2009 to discuss the matter with the trade unions, Ministry officials and IPA. After having extensive day-long discussions, the impasse was broken when the Minister offered a fitment benefit of 23% to the federations.
The federations were satisfied and expressed gratitude to the Union Shipping Minister, the Shipping Minister of State, Shipping Ministry officials and IPA for showing pragmatism in resolving this important matter.
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