At Visakhapatnam Port Trust, jobs may be lost to machines

VISAKHAPATNAM: Even as the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) continues to encourage the participation of private players in its ongoing modernisation march, VPT chairman Ajeya Kallam indicated that the modernization process may cost more than 1000 to 1,500 unskilled and class-4 employees their jobs. However, at the same time he reassured workers that various projects being undertaken at VPT will result in creation of alternative employment.
During an interaction with media at VPT on Wednesday, Kallam made it clear that inviting private players in the modernisation process will economically strengthen the port without having to pour in any investments of its own. However, the number of people employed at VPT will temporarily reduce, but the increasing number of projects willl not hurt employment opportunities.
He, however, pointed out that stevedores, who are involved in loading and unloading activities at ships, may be affected due to mechanisation projects at the port.
Terming the modernisation as regulated privatisation, Kallam said that key services would remain with the port authority. Citing marine services as an example, he said that the control of the vessels entering the port would remain with VPT. He pointed out that private projects were essential to boost the capacity handling at the port. Reacting to the VPT chairman’s statements, Visakapatnam Dock Labour Board and Dock Workers’ Union president V S Padmanabha Raju, said, “We are opposed to the VPT move. Job security should be in place when the port hands over the projects to private players. If they leave it to private operators, it will be detrimental to the interests of the workers.”
“There are so many factors at work here. What needs to be looked at is facilities that the workers will be getting if they join with private operators. There is no clear cut concrete proposal and it seems workers will be at the mercy of the private operators. We will fight this move at all levels,” he added.
National Port Trust Employees Union (NPTEU) general secretary K Paradesinaidu, said, “He is comparing VPT with Kandla Port.
He wants to ensure the same thing here and hand over operations to private parties. Already, coal handling has been given to Vedanta group and 500 people will be surplus once OHC is given to a private player. There is no chance of alternative employment in the port.” Paradesinaidu also said for surplus jobs, VPT would introduce voluntary retirement as there would be no work for them.