On the issue of contract labour, the unions pointed out that the management had earlier been compelled to recruit 100 qualified workers for the Marine Department on a one-year contract. 

The Cochin Port Joint Trade Union Forum has strongly opposed the management’s reported plans to outsource marine and cargo-handling operations, alleging that such measures violate established labour practices and undermine workers’ interests.

Benny Behanan, MP, and C.D. Nandakumar, chairman and general convenor of the Forum, demanded the withdrawal of any proposal to privatise core port functions currently carried out by regular employees or port-appointed contract workers. They alleged that the Port Authority had already resorted to “wet hiring” of mooring boats, involving manpower-inclusive contracts, and outsourced operations related to the port’s dredger. According to the unions, these activities have traditionally been performed directly by port workers since the port’s inception.

The Forum also expressed concern over the sharp decline in the workforce, which has reportedly fallen to 475 regular workers, excluding officers, due to the non-filling of vacancies arising from retirements over several years. The unions claimed that the shortage has resulted in excessive workloads, mental stress and frustration among employees, while affecting the functioning of hospitals, offices and departments such as engineering, traffic and marine services.

Describing the situation as a deliberately created crisis, the unions alleged that the management had failed to honour statutory national and port-level settlements requiring the filling of vacancies. They further criticised the authorities for ignoring repeated demands for infrastructure upgrades, which they said are essential for the port’s growth and survival.

Shortage of manpower

The Forum pointed out that Cochin Port remains the only major port in the country without a wharf crane, and argued that the shortage of manpower and cargo-handling equipment has adversely affected the port’s credibility, prompting many users to bypass it. Recent trends in vessel arrivals and cargo volumes, they said, reflect the consequences of these shortcomings.

On the issue of contract labour, the unions pointed out that the management had earlier been compelled to recruit 100 qualified workers for the Marine Department on a one-year contract. However, they alleged that these workers are now being subjected to a “hire-and-fire” policy, with little job security and inadequate wages.

Published on June 1, 2026