Ferheen Ali & Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, July 11: The Andaman Unit of National Union of Sea-farers of India and local unit of Seafarers Union of India have locked horns over Administration’s decision of permitting contract Seamen to work for six months on ships.
Recently, taking the middle way for the demands of seamen, who were on relay hunger strike for more than three months, the administration has granted them permission to work for 6 months on ship. The decision was welcomed by the Seafarer Union of India.
While the seamen and their families are happy to see some impact of their strike, NUSI has openly opposed the decision.
The Branch Secretary of NUSI, Mr Dharminder Ram has expressed anger over the fact that NUSI being the largest Union, administration didn’t ask for their opinion before taking such big decision.
He also added that if seamen on contract are allowed to work for 6 months, the waiting period for seamen working in roster will increase and the decision by the Administration is completely not acceptable.
He has also warned the administration of an agitation if the decision is not taken back.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, the Branch Secretary of SUI Mr. Sanjay Kumar informed that they have kept a condition before the administration that there will be no problems in the selection of roster seamen. It has been kept in front of the Lt Governor and the Directorate of shipping that first the Roster seamen will be given chance in ships and then if more seamen are needed, then they will be taken from the contract.
Aiming towards NUSI, he said that some unions instead of helping the seafarers, are busy increasing their problems.
