KOCHI: The container movement in and out of the Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal was hit on Sunday too with the labourers keeping off from work demanding better amenities and entry for lorry cleaners into the terminal. It was the tussle between the Customs and CISF officials that later turned out to be the strike by labourers. A Customs official was blocked by the CISF when he came to the terminal on Friday. This led to a clash between the CISF and Customs. Though the official was permitted to go inside, the Customs slowed down the inspection of cargo and closed two gates of the terminal. Following this, lorry workers had to wait for hours at the terminal which agitated them and resulted in the strike.The Trade Union Coordination Committee leaders alleged that it was the stubborn attitude of the management that worsened the issue. “The labourers have been demanding better amenities at the waiting room and entry to the terminal ever since the terminal became operational. The terminal management is still not ready to accept the demands of the labourers,” said Charles George, convenor of the Trade Union Coordination Committee.However, the DP World authorities denied the allegations raised by the labourers. “The management is ready to provide whatever facilities the labourers need, except the entry for cleaners into the terminal. The entry is restricted due to safety reasons. In the meeting held on Saturday morning, we informed the leaders that all amenities would be provided. Though they accepted it, they changed their stand later and continued with the strike,” said a key official of DP World Cochin. “Minimum 3000 TEUs of containers are piling up at the terminal. This include 2000 TEUs of unloaded cargo and 1000 TEUs of ready for export containers. The next ship will call at the terminal on Tuesday,” DP World authorities said.
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