THE RISK of strike across major ports in India has resurfaced, with unions vowing to take action if port authorities fail to honour a wage agreement reached months ago.

The Indian Major Ports & Dock Workers Federations, a coalition of six labour unions representing around 20,000 members, “are constrained to give a call for direct industrial action” from December 17 to enforce the settlement reached on September 27, Water Transport Workers Federation of India, told Lloyd’s List via email.

The unions have warned of an indefinite strike if the government fails to implement wage revisions and productivity schemes before December 15, Hapag-Lloyd notified its customers.

“As the situation is unfolding, our teams are working to assess any impact on operations,” the carrier said, noting it is in close communication with all relevant parties for further progress.

The strike is expected to affect 12 of the country’s state-owned ports, whereas Inida’s container terminals are managed by private entities under separate contracts.

“The information presently points to government ports and hence container impact will be more limited if that holds up,” Lars Jensen, founder of consultancy Vespucci Maritime, said in a post on LinkedIn.

In late August, representatives from the six labour federations, the Indian Ports Association, and officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways agreed on an 8.5% salary increment based on the total basic pay as of December 31, 2021.

The strike, originally planned for August 28, was deferred until after the meeting.

The Indian Ports Association has been contacted for comment.

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