the goan I network
VASCO
Claiming that the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) had auctioned the Floating Dry Dock (FDD) of Western India Shipyard limited (WISL) at a much lower price, the WISL union has demanded a re-tender to ensure a better price for the FDD.
The WISL workers placed these demands when they along with trade union leader Ajit Singh Rane and WISL union leader Alexander Pacheco met MPT Dy Chairman G P Rai.
They also discussed other issues like settling of dues to workers from the proceeds of the auction of the FDD.
Later speaking to reporters, Rane said MPT had auctioned the FDD at a very cheap rate.
“The FDD was auctioned for Rs 4.55 crore but we have an offer of over Rs 7 crore. The MPT has auctioned the FDD as scrap at around Rs 6 per kg, while we could sell the same for 3 times more. How much per cent of the proceeds will be given to us is still not clear,” Rane said.
“The FDD is perfect and can be used. It has to be scrutinised if the technical report presented to the court as a material to auction the FDD is in order,” he added.
WISL union Leader Alexander Pacheco claimed that MPT had agreed to invite a fresh tender for the FDD and agreed to put a proposal in the tender to absorb WISL workers.
“We have been assured that a new tender would be issued and we have also been asked for workmen details, so that the new bidder could be advised to absorb us after the dock is acquired,” said Pacheco.
“We have however demanded that we will not allow the dock to be removed till the new tender is floated and we get a written assurance by MPT that the workmen absorption clause is inserted in the tender,” said Pacheco.
