Chennai: A new productivity linked reward scheme has been introduced for the port and dock workers of major ports in India which will be effective from 2002-03 onwards and will be operative up to 2009-10. Under the deal the difference between the productivity linked reward payable under the new scheme and that the adhoc amount paid for the years 2002 to 2006 will be paid to the workers.

The agreement to this effect was signed between the leaders of five major port worker unions and N K Raghupati, vice chairman, Indian Ports Association along with the heads of major ports on April 9, 2007. The worker representatives who signed the agreement are S R Kulakarni, All India Dock & Port Workers Federation, Dr Shanti Patel, All India Dock & Port Workers Federation (W), P K Samantray, Indian National Port & Dock Workers Federation, V V Rama Rao, Port, Dock Water Front Workers Federation of India and S. Chakravorty, Water Transport Workers Federation of India.

The union minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways and A K Mohapatra, secretary, Shipping were present when the agreement was signed.

With the signing of the settlement, the way has been paved for the joint withdrawal of reference from the National Industrial Tribunal filed by the Ministry of Labour in 2002. The minister has already approved the release of productivity linked reward to approximately 66,000 port and dock employees. The expenditure involved is likely to be in the region of Rs31 crore.