Workers sacked by cargo handler Haldia Bulk Terminals held a sit in demonstration demanding reinstatement outside the Haldia Dock complex.

HBT, a JV between private sector operator ABG LDA and Kolkata Port Trust, retrenched 275 employees on September 24th to right size its workforce. HBT handles dry bulk cargo at the two mechanized berths at Haldia port.

According to Mr Suvendu Adhikari, Trinamool MP from Tamluk, the retrenched workers and their family members were fighting for their rights. 275 people have lost their jobs. What else they can do, if they lose jobs?

The demonstrations took place despite a Calcutta High Court order on October 19th barring all trade union activity within 100 meter of the dock complex.

The Court in its interim order following a writ petition filed by the cargo handler said that “The retrenched workmen as well the unions to which they owe allegiance shall be entitled to carry on trade union activities, but shall stay at a distance of 100 meter on either side of the entry gates of the HDC.”

Source - Business Line

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