Tensions flared at the Adani Gangavaram port in Visakhapatnam as a protest by workers demanding improved wages and working conditions turned violent, resulting in clashes with police personnel. At least 10 police officers and a number of protesting workers were injured during the confrontation, according to officials.
The demonstration, called by labor union leaders, saw a significant turnout of Gangavaram port workers who gathered at the administrative office located in Pedagantyada village, on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam. The workers had been agitating for 45 days, advocating for various demands, including enhanced minimum wages, reinstatement of five dismissed port workers, increment assurances, death benefits, and one-time settlements, according to Hindustan Times.
In response to the growing unrest, police forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent the workers from forcibly entering the premises. Barbed wire fencing was erected to create a physical barrier, but clashes ensued when workers attempted to breach the blockade.
The confrontation led to physical altercations, with protesters pushing against the barricades and pelting stones at the police. Injuries were reported among both the workers and the police officers, with Gajuwaka Inspector of Police Luther Babu and Constable Shiva Prasad among those hurt.
In an attempt to restore calm, several trade union leaders who sought entry to the port were arrested by the police. Later in the day, negotiations took place between port management and a delegation of trade union representatives, resulting in an agreement to address some of the workers' demands.
The Adani Gangavaram port management, in discussions with the unions, conceded to certain measures, including a one-time payment of ₹10,000 to each worker, a five percent increase in salaries as an annual increment, with retroactive effect, and a further ₹1,000 monthly salary hike. Additionally, the port management agreed to provide ₹25 lakh as a death benefit in the event of a worker's demise while on duty. The suspension of five workers was also revoked, and they will be reinstated.
