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Govt invites striking port workers for talks

The Indian government invited port workers who have been on strike for more pay since Wednesday for talks.

Surface Transport Minister Raj Nath Singh invited trade union leaders to Delhi on Friday. Negotiations will resume though settlement is not a certainty, union leaders said.

They claimed the strikers are in good spirits thanks to the continuing support from various unions.

Meanwhile, the London-based International Transport Workers Federation of which the Indian unions are affiliates, has protested to the government against the use armed forces personnel for contingency operations aimed at breaking the strike.

Port officials at various centres said alternative arrangements are continuing.

Only a few of the several ships waiting for berths could carry out loading and unloading operations. There were fears that officers on duty and strikers could clash. However, the government has made arrangements for full security of personnel on duty.

Unions warned that ships availing the services at Indian ports during the strike period will be singled out for "special treatment" at ports abroad.

India is losing Rs 8 billion ($ 186 million) every day due to the strike, unions claimed.

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