Team Herald
VASCO: A crucial meeting between the workers of Western India Shipyard Limited (WISL) and Chairman of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) I Jeyakumar remained inconclusive on Wednesday.
The meeting was called to discuss the issue of floating dry dock which is currently grounded at WISL yard for which MPT wants WISL workers union to extend their support so that the port can dispose the floating dry dock before forthcoming monsoons.
However, WISL workers union has strongly objects to the same. Workers union claims that it would not vacate WISL yard and allow anyone to touch floating dry dock till the workmen get all their statutory benefits and settlement dues.
To resolve the issue, Jeyakumar invited WISL workers for discussion. During the meeting, port officials tried to explain in detail as to why port wants to dispose-off the floating dry dock before monsoon and sought workers cooperation.
At the meeting, the WISL workers placed their settlement proposal before Jeyakumar and requested him to ensure that workmen get all their statutory benefits and settlement dues. They also suggested that port authorities should use their power to fix criminal liabilities on WISL management as it owes dues to the workers, MPT as well as banks.
At the end of the meeting, Jeyakumar asked the workers union to reply within next 24 hours, whether it would allow the removal of dry dock. However, the union sought two days time to reply.
