The Water Transport Workers’ Federation of India (WTWFI), one of the five recognised unions at major ports, staged a day-long strike on Thursday across key ports including Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Cochin, Thoothukudi and Kamarajar, protesting what it termed “anti-labour” policies and strategic disinvestment moves.
The union opposed the proposed IPO of Kamarajar Port Ltd, monetisation of port assets including port-run hospitals through PPP, and reported plans to convert port authorities into companies. It also raised concerns over the government’s labour codes and Chennai Port Authority’s decision to acquire a 5 per cent stake in Bharat Container Shipping Line.
T. Narendra Rao, General Secretary of WTWFI, said listing Kamarajar Port would contradict the objectives behind its 2020 acquisition by Chennai Port Authority, warning that dilution of public ownership could impact employment security and national interest.
Rao stated that Kamarajar Port is financially strong, having recorded profit after tax of ₹373.50 crore in FY23, ₹495.68 crore in FY24 and ₹539.33 crore in FY25, arguing that there is no economic necessity for an IPO.
Union leaders asserted that the February 12 strike received an “overwhelming” response and signalled continued resistance to any move perceived as undermining public-sector port governance and workers’ rights.