Indian port strikes – December 2024
12 December 2024
The planned strike by Indian port workers set for December 17, 2024, has been postponed following government approval of a new five-year labor agreement. The agreement, known as the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) Settlement, includes wage revisions and productivity-linked reward schemes. After negotiations with port workers’ unions and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, instructions were issued to all 12 major port authorities to implement the settlement.
The resolution has eased labor tensions at major ports and prevented potential supply chain disruptions. Union leaders, satisfied with the outcome, are expected to officially withdraw the strike notice. Industry stakeholders and shipping lines have welcomed the development, expressing relief as contingency plans are no longer necessary.
Source: https://theloadstar.com/indian-port-strike-fear-over-as-labour-agreement-approved/
5 December 2024
Dockworkers in India have threatened an indefinite strike at all major ports starting December 17 if wage revisions and productivity schemes are not implemented by December 15. Negotiations over pay and pension benefits have dragged on since a previous pay contract expired in December 2021, despite a temporary resolution in August that deferred an earlier planned strike. (Reference: https://indiashippingnews.com/indian-ports-may-face-strikes-over-unmet-assurances-in-december/)
Industry insiders believe the strike is unlikely or may have limited impact. Government-operated ports would be the primary targets, but many of these ports outsource work to non-union workers, reducing potential disruption. Private ports and terminals are expected to remain unaffected, which noted that operations at privately run facilities will continue as usual. (Reference: https://splash247.com/indian-ports-strike-threat-returns/)
For any support needed or any questions in general about this, contact us at India@s-5.org.
- Private ports and terminals are not expected to be affected by the strike.
- Ports with privately operated berths/terminals will continue operations as normal.
| Port | Govt Port / Private Port | Circular Issued by local worker union to Port | Potential Impact |
| Bedi | Govt Port | No | Likely to be impacted |
| Chennai | Govt Port | Yes | Port workers Union in Chennai have jointly served the strike notice to the Port Management. Understand Labour Commissioner is likely to call for a discussion and resolve the issue on or around 27th Aug. Strike, if commenced as scheduled – will impact the Dry-bulk movements. |
| Cochin | Govt Port | Yes | Likely to be impacted |
| Cochin (LNG) | Govt Port | Yes | Not likely to be impacted |
| Dabhol (LNG) | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Dahej (LNG) | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Dhamra (LNG) | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Ennore | Govt Port | No | Port is very unlikely to get affected by this Strike – as most of the berths are on BOT basis, operated by Private parties. Will not be affected, much. |
| Ennore (LNG) | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Gangavaram | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Goa | Govt Port | Yes | Overall Operations likely to get affected |
| Gopalpur | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Hazira (LNG) | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Jaigarh | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| JNPT | Govt Port / Private container berths) | Yes | Unlikely to get affected as Private Operators are involved |
| Kakinada | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Kandla | Govt Port | Yes | Dry Bulk Vessels working at General Cargo Berths will be the first to get affected |
| Kolkata + Haldia | Govt Port | No | Presently maximum berths are engaged by Private Contractors / Stevedores at Hadia Port. Hence, Impact of the above indicated strike will be minimal at Haldia. But, if the strike gets prolonged – Impact is likely for cargo evacuation from Berths to Storage Plots etc., leading to delays, Congestion and extended turnaround time, for Dry Bulk Vessels. |
| Krishnapatnma | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Mangalore | Govt Port/Private container and coal berth | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Mul Dwarka | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Mumbai | Govt Port | No | Work at general cargo berths will first get affected |
| Mundra | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Navlakhi | Govt Port | No | Likely to be impacted |
| Okha | Govt Port | No | Likely to be impacted |
| Paradip | Govt Port | No | Likely to be impacted |
| Pipavav | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Porbandar | Govt Port | No | Likely to be impacted |
| Salaya | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Sikka | Private | No | Not likely to be impacted |
| Tuticorin | Govt Port | Yes | Port authorities are still to come up with their response. Strike, if commenced as scheduled – is likely to impact Vessel operations and cargo movements |
| Vadinar | Govt Port | No | Likely to be impacted |
| Vizag | Govt Port | Yes | Likely to be impacted |
28 November 2024
Indian port workers are considering an indefinite strike starting December 17, citing the government’s failure to implement promised benefits following earlier negotiations. The strike, led by six labor federations, aims to pressure authorities to enforce agreements on wage hikes, pensions, and retroactive rewards. Despite settlements reached in September, the Indian Ports Association has yet to act, frustrating unions. Preliminary protests are planned for December 5 and 10. The strike could disrupt operations at state-run ports, critical to India’s growing exports. Workers demand compliance by December 15 to avert the walkout.
For details, read the full article at India Shipping News.
For any support or questions, please contact us at: India@S-5.org
Sources:
https://indiashippingnews.com/indian-ports-may-face-strikes-over-unmet-assurances-in-december/
https://infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ports-shipping/major-port-workers-unions-call-for-strike-from-december-17-as-wage-revision-and-plr-settlements-face-delay/