All India Port and Dock Workers Federation

Trade union in India

All India Port and Dock Workers Federation (AIPDWF) , founded in 1949 is the largest trade union representing workers at India's 12 major government-owned ports. It is affiliated with the socialist trade union center Hind Mazdoor Sabha.[1][2]

The union split in 1989 during a nationwide strike by port workers. The previous agreement between the port unions and the government had expired in January 1988. Frustrated with the lack f progress in negotiations, AIPDWF, as well as unions affiliated with INTUC and AITUC launched a strike in June 1989. After four days, a breakaway faction led by Shanti Patel, called off the strike and gained recognition from the government. AIPDWF ended its strike after another two days.[1]

In recent times, AIPDWF has become a vocal opponent of the Indian government's plan to corporatize the various publicly owned ports, viewing the step as a give-away of public property to private firms.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Venkataraman, CS (1997). "Changes in Industrial Relation in Indian Ports". In Venkataraman, CS; Varma, Anil (eds.). Challenge of Change: Industrial Relations in Indian Industry. Allied Publishers. pp. 454–456. ISBN 9788170236511. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  2. ^ a b P. Manoj. "Government planning to convert 12 of 13 Union govt-owned ports into companies". LiveMint. Retrieved July 7, 2017.