On a day when ABG-LDA led Haldia Bulk Terminal deposited Rs 17.5 lakh to East Midnapore district administration for ensuring security for their cargo operations at the port as directed by the Calcutta High Court,labourers belonging to Trinamool Congress-affiliated trade union on Friday protested outside the Haldia Dock Complex protesting against the ABGs decision to retrench 275 workers. Labourers of Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC) were led by Trinamool MP Suvendu Adhikary who set up camps outside the Haldia Dock Complex making it clear that they were protesting for a long haul. We have been working here for the last one year,and finally we heard that we have been retrenched without any formal notice. How could the cargo handling company of such a repute retrench people without prior intimation, a labourer belonging to INTTUC said. The Trinamool labourers did not allow others workers to enter the dock complex and threatened to kill them,alleged local CPM leaders. How can we work in such a situation where there is a threat to our lives, said a worker. Gurpreet Malhi,the CEO of ABG-LDA led HBT,criticised the West Bengal police administration for lack of initiative to address the law and order issue,affecting the Haldia Port for nearly a month. Malhi said operations have been stalled since September 25. He added that although they had provided the money to ensure security,not a single senior police officer visited the dock complex,despite repeated complaints of disruption in operations.
