John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Nov 01: Dozens of Merchant Navy officers in various ranks working with foreshore passenger vessels owned by Directorate of Shipping Services, Andaman & Nicobar Islands today staged an agitation inside the office of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI), Delanipur, Port Blair. The Merchant Navy Officers were protesting against non-payment of salary since 1st July 2021.
It was learnt that Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) took over the manning since 1st July onwards and issued the Article of Agreement (AOA) to the seafarers without any proper manning contract signed between the DSS, Andaman & Nicobar Administration and SCI.
After Completing the July month when onboard officers reached SCI Ltd for salary, in reply SCI authorities reportedly assured them that the July month’s salary will be paid along with the salary of August month.
According to Merchant Navy officers, when they approached again for August months’ salary, SCI authorities were silent.
“It is difficult to run family when salary is not paid for four months. Last month we received half salary of three months viz July, August and September and further remaining half payment of three months and full payment of October are still pending,” said a protesting officer.
According to Merchant Navy officers, neither the Andaman Nicobar Administration (DSS authorities) nor the SCI authorities are responding to them.
“We demand for proper mention of wages in legal manner in contract agreement and whatever dispute is going on for payment, should be sorted out. We need proper Contract Letter,” another Merchant Navy officer added.
The Merchant Navy officers today threatened to continue their protest till they don’t receive any positive response or assurance.
“We would be sitting inside the SCI office as a mark of our protest without hampering our work,” said one of Merchant Navy Officers.
It is learnt that as there was no response since evening many Merchant Navy officers have signed off today and tomorrow they are returning back to their hometown.
As per sources the DSS reportedly reached the protest site this evening at around 7.00 PM and assured to issue directions to SCI to pay full salary to the Merchant Navy officers. Till last report poured in, the Merchant Navy officers were waiting for a mail from SCI regarding release of their salaries.
