This move follows the unsuccessful wage negotiations that have been ongoing since the expiration of the previous pay contract in December 2021. Although a similar strike was averted at the end of August after government officials and the Federation of Indian Workers’ Union agreed to delay the strike while making progress in talks, no breakthrough has been reached in the months since.
A source within the Indian ports sector shared with Splash that while a strike may be avoided once again, if it does go ahead, its impact will likely be limited to government-run ports. Many of these ports outsource work to non-unionized workers, meaning the strike could have minimal effects.