Indian port workers to launch indefinite strike, nationwide disruptions loom
Dockworkers at India’s 12 largest ports have announced an indefinite strike beginning on 28 August 2024, following prolonged and unsuccessful wage negotiations, according to media reports. This strike is anticipated to cause significant disruptions in port operations nationwide, logistics, and shipments.
Dockworkers at India’s 12 largest ports have announced an indefinite strike beginning on 28 August 2024, following prolonged and unsuccessful wage negotiations, according to media reports. This strike is anticipated to cause significant disruptions in port operations nationwide, logistics, and shipments.
The previous wage agreement expired in December 2021. Despite the Ministry of Shipping establishing a Bilateral Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) in March 2021, no resolution was reached. The workers are demanding wage scale revisions, benefits protection, implementation of previous agreements, cost-of-living allowance adjustments, and overdue wage payments.
The impending strike is expected to severely impact India’s port operations, halting the flow of import and export goods and straining the broader economy. Logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel has cautioned that the strike could result in delays, increased costs, and severe congestion, exacerbating the already challenging global logistics landscape.