BL reported that the workers of the cargo handling division of the Visakhapatnam port went on strike from 6 AM on Thursday protesting against the implementation of the manning scales in the port.

The two major unions the Hind Mazdoor Sangh and the AITUC supported the strike and it was total.

The workers have been protesting against the implementation of manning scales in the port for sometime. The unions contend that the implementation of the scales is only benefiting the stevedores and the port is losing revenue.

Besides, they allege the workers are put to hardship.

The operations at the port were partly affected by the strike, but according to the port authorities, alternative arrangements have been made and the impact was minimal.

Talks were going on late in the evening between the union representatives and the port management in the presence of the Labour Department officials to resolve the issue.

(Sourced from Business Line)