Operations at Haldia Dock resume as strike ends

After operations came to a standstill following a strike by a section of the employees on Sunday evening at Haldia Dock Complex, activities resumed on Tuesday, an official said. The standoff cost the Kolkata Port Trust an average of Rs. 6 crore every day.

Some employees who guide ships between berths and lock gates with mooring ropes went on strike from Sunday evening. "The representative of the unions approached Deputy Chairman, Haldia Dock Complex, for resolving the impasse created by the mooring gangs. Subsequently, a meeting with the representatives of all the seven unions and port officials was held today (Tuesday)," a KoPT spokesperson said.

After detailed deliberations, the unions agreed to restore operations immediately, he said. "Due to the strike, the port incurred an average revenue loss of Rs. 6 crore a day," he told IANS.

The KoPT official, however, said unions have raised certain issues which will be examined by the port management. "Meanwhile, administrative actions will continue as per rules," he added.