The tension remains at the Port. The threat of a strike has been hanging over the Port since last week. The demand remains the consideration of the “Collective Agreement” of 2016. The response of the Port’s employees is a Go Slow, which affects all customs operations and even the ships, opting for new ports.
Retaliation and repercussions
The management of Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) had rejected the Collective Agreement, signed in 2016, during the negotiations between the management and the union. The company wanted to make certain changes in the working conditions of its employees, even affecting the overtime payment system. Several requests were made to management, but no response has been received since. Business continues but at a very slow pace. The same employees fear the worst as the delivery of containers and related businesses will be at a loss. The union committee has promised to rely on the CCM to declare a dead lock and go on strike. The repercussions are already severe, with ships caught in this dilemma docking at other ports or else, avoiding Mauritius and the MSC Dymphna which has, instead, headed for South Africa. The Customs House Brokers’ Association has warned that the local market is also likely to be severely affected by this Go Slow. Traffic in general is already worse than it was in 2021, the same period from January to May, according to the statistics. The Port recorded a drop of 16.6% in cargo traffic and 31.9% in container traffic.
This situation could even end on a hunger strike in the coming days. Other than incompetence and the repetition of false promises, the Port-Louis Maritime Employees Association (PLMEA) also blames the management for the lack of staff and equipment, a canteen, and an adequate place to have lunch. In short, they demand a more humane treatment of their conditions and demands. They are waiting for the Minister of Labour, Soodesh Callichurn, to intervene.
Menon Munien to Head CHCL
Management will have met with union members by Saturday 30 July with assurance that their demands will be taken into consideration, except for the conditions of employment. In the meantime, the CHCL elected a new President on Monday 1 August. Menon Munien succeeds Sanjeeven Permal, who had resigned in September 2021. The expectations on the new President are that he will turn around the situation at the Port and lead to a normal resumption of activities.
