Port workers across India have announced plans for an indefinite strike at all major ports starting December 17, if the government fails to implement long-overdue wage revisions and productivity schemes by December 15. The decision to proceed with the strike was made during a National Coordination Committee of Port and Dock Workers meeting in Goa on November 23, where workers expressed frustration over delays in fulfilling statutory agreements.
This follows an earlier agreement reached in September, when labor federations deferred a planned strike after the government signed a settlement addressing wage revisions and other service conditions. However, workers now claim that no progress has been made on implementing the settlement, prompting renewed agitation.
Ahead of the planned strike, Indian dockworkers are set to hold protests at major ports on December 5, followed by a mass demonstration at administrative offices on December 10. Retired port employees, who also stand to benefit from the wage revisions, are expected to join the December 10 protests at major port offices.
The potential strike has prompted global shipping companies to take precautionary measures. Container lines, including Hapag-Lloyd, are closely monitoring the situation to mitigate disruptions to cargo operations. In a customer advisory, Hapag-Lloyd assured clients that it is actively working with relevant parties to minimize impacts and provide timely updates on operational changes.
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