IPA offers new proposal to avoid nationwide strike

The Indian Ports Association (IPA) has proposed a revised offer to prevent a nationwide strike by port workers, which is scheduled to start on 28 August. The strike could disrupt operations at twelve major ports across the country, impacting national and international trade.

Port workers’ unions decided on August 8 to strike indefinitely, to demand an immediate settlement of overdue wage revisions and benefits, pending for over two years. Strike notices were issued on 12 August after several rounds of discussions failed to reach an agreement.

In response, major port operators have invited union representatives to a meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, Indian media reported. The goal is to find a solution and address the unions’ demands, particularly concerning wage revisions.

The workers’ unions are affiliated with five federations: the All India Port and Dock Workers’ Federation, the All India Port and Dock Workers Federation (workers), the Water Transport Workers Federation of India, the Indian National Port and Dock Workers Federation, and the Port, Dock, and Waterfront Workers Federation of India.

If the strike goes ahead, it could significantly disrupt India’s import and export activities, causing delays and increased costs. The outcome of the upcoming negotiations will be crucial in determining whether the strike will be called off or proceed as planned.