3 weeks ago

Container Trailer Owners Launch Indefinite Strike at Thoothukudi VOC Port

Truck drivers who carry big shipping containers in a city called Thoothukudi stopped working.

This is called a strike, which means they won't work until they get what they want.

They want the people who hire their trucks to sign a written agreement to pay them better rates.

They also want to get a big part of their payment before going on long trips.

They want their bills paid within 15 days.

They want their trucks unloaded right away when they arrive at the port.

On Thursday morning, most drivers parked their trucks and didn't work.

It was okay at first because no container ship came to the port that day.

But the drivers warned that if ships arrive while they are still on strike, goods worth a lot of money could be delayed.

Key facts

Strike called by: Thoothukudi District Container Lorry Owners' Association
Location: VOC Port, Thoothukudi
Status: Indefinite strike since Thursday morning
Container trailer lorries in district: About 3,000
Lorries serving port daily: Nearly 2,000
Key demands: Written freight agreement, revised hiring charges, 90% advance for outstation trips, bill settlement within 15 days, 2-hour unloading at berths 8 and 9
Impact so far: No major disruption as no container vessel berthed; trade worth crores of rupees at risk if ships arrive

deccanchronicle.com · 3 weeks ago