13 Trade Unions Join Hands for Rights and Welfare of DLR Workers at Paradip Port

Paradip (Odia Gossip Bureau, Aug 10): In a significant move towards trade union unity, a Joint Coordination Community Meeting was organised with all 13 trade unions affiliated with the Paradip Port Authority to discuss and collectively raise the long-pending issues of DLR (Daily Labour Rated) workers.

The meeting brought together representatives of 13 trade unions, cutting across different affiliations and ideologies, with a common objective of protecting the legitimate rights, dignity and welfare of DLR workers, is led by Bapi Sarkhel, President, Paradeep Ersama Industrial Workers Union.

DLR workers have been raising several long-pending issues and concerns with the Paradip Port management. The workers have played an important role in the growth and day-to-day functioning of Paradip Port. The unions said their genuine demands should be considered fairly and addressed at the earliest.

The 13 trade unions that participated in the meeting are Bharatiya Bandar Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Paradip Erasama Industrial Workers Union (INTUC), Paradip Port Workers' Union (AIP & DWF/HMS), Utkal Port And Dock Workers Union (INTUC), Paradip Bandar Sramik Union (AICTU), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Workers Union, Paradip Port Shramik Sangh (AITUC & PD&WF India), Paradip Port, Dock & Construction Workers' Union (AIP & DWF/HMS), Paradip Bandar Shramik Karmachari Union (CITU), Paradip Port & Dock Mazdoor Union (INTUC/INP & DWF), Paradip Port & Dock Labour Union (INTUC), Paradip Dock & Transport Workers' Union (AIP & DWF/HMS), and Paradip Industrial Workers' Union (CITU).

The participation of all 13 unions was seen as an important example of unity among workers' organisations. Despite differences in their affiliations and ideologies, the unions came together on issues related to the rights and welfare of DLR workers.

The organisers thanked the presidents, general secretaries, office bearers and members of all the participating unions for extending their support to the collective initiative.

The unions said they would continue to raise the concerns of DLR workers through peaceful and democratic means. They also expressed hope that the long-pending issues would receive due consideration from the Paradip Port management and lead to a fair and just resolution.

The meeting, ended with a clear message that unity among workers and their organisations is essential to protect workers' rights, dignity and welfare.