Flexible and employee-friendly approach will not only boost efficiency of port workers but the same will also ensure that workers do not go on strike demanding better facilities for themselves  The efficiency of any organisation depends upon the productivity of its workforce. While the Indian shipping sector may be on a high post-recession, the same cannot be said about port workers. Currently, most workers engaged in maritime business complain of stressful work environment, low standard of living etc, which force them to adopt unhealthy lifestyles. According to a survey conducted by ShippingBiz360.com, a whooping 100% of the respondents feel that employers need to be flexible and adopt an employee-friendly approach in order to ensure better life standard for port workers.Moral support vital for workers
According to Rajdeepak Bhargava, CMD of Avignon Shipping Company, a mid-sized shipping firm in Pune, “Only providing workers with higher pay packages is not enough. They need moral support from their employers and have to be convinced that their future is secure. It is sad to note that in most cases while higher remunerations are paid to workers, they are not provided with the required moral support. Organisational policies need to framed in such a manner that ensures equal division of work load among workers.”
It is to be noted that the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) implemented by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) states that maritime workers must have decent accommodation and leisure facilities. Moreover, working hours should not exceed 14 hours in a day and 72 hours in a week. It also states that night work for port workers under 18 years of age is prohibited. According to Benoy Krishna Dey, senior manager of Tara Marine Syndicate, a small-sized shipping firm in Kolkata, “Most often port workers go on strike demanding better facilities for themselves. This hampers overall functioning of the port and impedes its growth. Therefore, by taking care of interests of the workforce, such situation can be averted.” It is also important for organisations like the International Committee on Seafarers ‘Welfare (ICSW) to highlight issues pertaining to better living standards for port workers.
Arup Choudhury
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