Port workers call off strike following MoU

Visakhapatnam: The proposed strike by dock and port workers has been called off following a MoU reached between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) and the Indian Port Association (IPA). The breakthrough averted an indefinite strike that was set to disrupt operations across 12 major ports including Visakhapatnam Port. Timely intervention by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal led to an amicable understanding. The MoU facilitates the revision of the wage structure and addresses other service conditions, including pensionary benefits. It was agreed that the fitment benefit of 8.5 per cent on the aggregate amount of basic pay as of December 31, 2021, plus 30 per cent VDA as of January 1, 2022, shall be granted. The periodicity of the settlement is set for five years, from 1-1-2022 to 31-12-2026.