Indian Port Workers Union Calls Strike for Pay

Indian port workers' unions have announced a strike beginning August 28, demanding urgent resolution of pay revisions and pension benefits. The strike could worsen congestion at major Asian and European ports, leading to delays in shipments that impact global trade. A bipartite wage negotiation committee, established in March 2021, has failed to satisfy workers' demands despite seven meetings. The strike decision follows a recent gathering in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, where around 20,000 workers are expected to participate. The unions are pressing for pay scale revisions, payment of arrears, and protection of existing benefits, but the federal shipping ministry has not yet commented. Major Indian ports handle a combined annual capacity of 1.62 billion metric tons, with significant trade figures reflecting a $437 billion export and $677 billion import in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.