Container transport from Ctg port resumes after 3 days

FT ONLINE

Container transport between Chattogram port and 18 private inland container depots (ICDs) resumed after nearly three and a half days as drivers and helpers of prime mover-trailers called off their work abstention.

Owing to the work abstention, over 2600 TEUs (twenty equivalent units) of export laden containers missed their timely shipment, reports our Chattogram correspondent quoting officials.

Meanwhile, workers of prime mover-trailers agreed to resume operation at 4:00pm this evening after a four-hour meeting between the worker leaders and ICD owners, said Md Abu Bakkar Siddique, general secretary (GS) of Chattogram Prime Mover-Trailer Shramik Union.

Why did the workers go on work abstention?

Drivers and helpers of prime movers stopped operating the vehicles, as the owners of the private ICDs had been delaying in issuance of appointment letters, Md Abu Bakkar said earlier.

The workers stopped operating the vehicles as the ICD owners have been delaying in providing them with appointment letters.

They demanded a raise in their fixed wages and pressed for the issuance of appointment letters reflecting higher salaries, said Md Ruhul Amin Sikder, secretary of the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association.

Earlier on January 29, the ICD owners made a deal with the union leaders and promised that they will issue appointment letters to all workers by February 20.

Around 900 container-carrying heavy vehicles are engaged in transporting of such import, export and empty containers between the port and the ICDs.

Upon arrival, containers loaded with about 37 types of imported goods are directly sent by prime movers from the port to 18 ICDs located in Chattogram and its outskirts, from where the goods are delivered to the consignees.