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100,000 Indian dock workers on strike

BOMBAY: Almost 100,000 Indian dock workers launched an indefinite strike for more pay on Tuesday, prompting the government to send in the navy to help keep ports running.

Ships were backed up as naval personnel hurried to take up key positions in several of the 11 affected ports in an effort to minimise the disruption to trade around the country.

Port pilots and other officers were also trying to pick up where the striking workers left off on Tuesday morning, but the more labour-intensive cargo was held up.

General cargo movement, particularly coal handling in the southern Indian port of Madras, was hit, but handling of petroleum, oil and lubricants continued, port officials said.

"One ship carrying edible oil and one for high-speed diesel has berthed today," said a spokesman for the Kandla Port Trust, India's busiest port located in western Gujarat state.

The workers walked off the job after seven hours of talks with government officials on Monday failed to yield an agreement.

The workers have demanded a 100 percent pay hike while the government is willing to offer a rise of 28 percent.

"We have prepared ourselves for the strike and will be able to handle all movement of petroleum, oil and lubricants... The strike may have some effect on the movement of general cargo," said A.K. Mago, chairman of the Bombay Port Trust.

"Our officers will be able to manage with the help of Home Guards and the Navy," he added.-Reuters