the goan I network
VASCO
Claiming that MPT was the only port in India not to have implemented the wage revision since 2017 due to the port’s bad financial position, port employees had feared huge job losses if companies are unable to handle cargo in the port.
A large number of MPT employees of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) affiliated to the Goa Port and Dock Employees Union (GPADEU) and Mormugao Port Railway Workers Union (MPRWU) met Urban Development Minister and Mormugao MLA Milind Naik on Wednesday to put forth their grievances.
They claimed that other ports in the country had begun paying arrears to the employees after implementation of wage revision.
GPADEU President Augusto D’Costa said there were genuine issues of employees and pensioners of MPT due to recent suspension of coal handling operations by Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). “There are about 1,700 employees and their families directly depend on coal handling activity at MPT. Coal handling also contributes substantially to the state exchequer through taxes, etc. Then, there are self-employed entrepreneurs also dependent on coal handling activity in the port.”
D’Costa feared that coal handling companies could stop operations at the Port over frequent disturbances and suspension of coal handling operations. “This could have disastrous consequences for around 30,000 people directly and indirectly dependent upon coal and other material handling at the port,” said D’Costa.
“Most employees are residents of Vasco city and reside in close proximity of the port and they have never faced any pollution as sought to be highlighted by some of the NGOs and vested interests, who are neither residents of Vasco city nor interested in sustainable development of State and Vasco city in particular,” he added.
Jude D’Costa of MPRWU said MPT was the only port in India where the wage revision had not been implemented since 2017 due to bad financial conditions of the port.
“At present, there are about 1,650 employees and 4,500 pensioners directly dependent on the survival of port operations. Since 2012, many austerity measures, including curtailing medical benefits, welfare activities, privileges, etc., were introduced by the port to curb expenditure due to decline of revenue generation,” he said.
“The wage revision signed on August 30, 2018, applicable to all major ports of India has not been implemented in Mormugao port effective from 2017 despite a lapse of seven months.”
All 11 major ports have implemented and effected the payment in toto, except the Mormugao port. If this is implemented, an additional burden of Rs 3 crore per month will be required for payment of wages and
pension,” he added.
