Unloading at the ports, including at Chittagong and Monagla, resumed on Sunday after lighterage vessel workers withdrew their 16-day strike following assurances on increased wages.
“Ship owners have assured payment of 20 percent more wages from this month, and on that basis we are withdrawing our strike,” Lighterage Labour Union General Secretary Nabi Alam Master told bdnews24.com. The strike was lifted on Saturday night.
Assurances were also given to clear all outstanding dues, he added.
Unloading activities from lighterage vessels resumed from Sunday morning, he said. It was also confirmed by concerned officials. Transhipment vessels were also unloading goods from mother vessels.
Activities at Mongla port also resumed, Bangladesh Water Transport Labourers’ Federation Central Joint General Secretary Abul Kashem Mastar said.
Lighterage vessels unload goods from mother ships anchored in deep sea and bring them to the port’s cargo facility.
Lighterage vessel workers went on strike from Apr 4 demanding payment of 20 percent increased wages and security. The strike brought water-transportation of goods across the country to a grinding halt, including at the outer anchorage area of the port and 16 terminals of the Karnaphuli river.
Workers say owners promised to raise wages on Jan 11, but did not comply.