Mon Apr 28 13:39:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Port Workers to Join Nationwide Strike Over Labour Code Concerns
**KOCHI, INDIA (April 28, 2025)** – The Water Transport Workers’ Federation of India (WTTFI), representing unions at all 12 major Indian ports, announced its participation in a May 20 national strike protesting the proposed four labour codes and amendments to port governance. The WTTFI, following a two-day meeting, passed resolutions expressing strong opposition to the changes.
The Federation argues that the amendments to the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, grant excessive power to Port Authority Boards over worker issues like suspension, dismissal, and pensions, undermining basic worker rights. Furthermore, they criticize the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, claiming it centralizes power traditionally held by state governments, weakening India’s federal structure.
The WTTFI also voiced concerns over the government’s National Assets Monetisation projects, which they say are handing over valuable port assets to transnational corporations, creating an imbalance favoring private operators and potentially jeopardizing national security. The Federation highlights the strategic importance of India’s 7,517-kilometer coastline and warns of the risks associated with increasing private control of its ports.
First Piper 