📍 Kolkata/Tuticorin/Kochi/Paradip, July 9:
The nationwide #9thJulyGeneralStrike, called by central trade unions against the Centre’s anti-labour and privatisation policies, disrupted cargo handling and port operations at several major ports including Kolkata, Tuticorin (VOC Port), Kochi, and Paradip today.In Kolkata, dock workers and transport employees affiliated to trade unions staged pickets at the gates of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. Cargo movement slowed down significantly, and many stevedoring workers stayed away from duty in response to the strike call.At Tuticorin, port activities were also hit as striking workers blocked entry to terminals, demanding reversal of what they called “anti-worker, anti-public sector” reforms. Exporters from the textile and salt industries in the region reported delays in shipments.
In Kochi, the Cochin Port Trust witnessed similar scenes, with union members waving red flags and holding rallies inside and outside the port premises. The strike impacted container and bulk cargo handling for much of the day.Meanwhile in Paradip, Odisha’s largest port, the workers’ strike affected berthing and loading activities as hundreds of workers joined demonstrations. Port users complained of congestion and delays in cargo clearance.The strike, supported by central trade unions including CITU, INTUC, AITUC, HMS, and AIUTUC, was called to protest against labour law changes, rising prices, unemployment, and the alleged push towards privatising key public sector undertakings, including ports.
Union leaders claimed “massive participation” of port and transport workers in the day-long protest. “Today’s strike has shown that workers from Kolkata to Kochi are united in defending their rights and public sector undertakings,” said a CITU representative at Paradip.Port authorities in all four locations said efforts were made to keep essential services operational but acknowledged that normal functioning remained partially affected.
#9thJulyGeneralStrike #PortStrike #KolkataPort #TuticorinPort #KochiPort #ParadipPort #TradeUnions #WorkersProtest
