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Indian maritime unions oppose contracting out vessels (2/15)

The International Transport Workers’ Federation has posted the following news item, which also is available on the ITF web site HERE Indian seafarer anger over contracting out plans 14 February 2008 Seafarers’ unions in India are outraged over plans by the national shipping company to put some 30 vessels out to tender. The unions - including the ITF-affiliated National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) and the Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) - have outlined their opposition to proposals to contract out the vessels in a letter to Sabyasachi Hajara, Chairman and Managing Director of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). It is understood that the manning and technical management of some 30 out of 80 vessels are to be put out to tender. The unions are furious that the management of the state-run company failed to consult seafarers’ unions and unions representing shore-based workers on the plans and are demanding that Hajara enter into talks with them over the issue. NUSI General Secretary Abdulgani Serang commented: “It seems to be a hush-hush exercise that can have far-reaching detrimental effects, not only on SCI as a company but also on thousands of existing seafarers and shore staff.” “If the SCI management does not come to the table on this issue, it is in for a shock,” said FSUI General Secretary Sadhan Kanji Lal. If progress is not made on the issue, the unions will be forced to resort to industrial action. ###