Why the port strike?

The delay in unloading the lighter vessels shows that the failure to do a routine job has created a situation where the port itself is not functioning. This kind of strike, apart from obstructing internal trade and commerce, sends negative signals to foreign businessmen and shipping companies who might switch their preferences to other ports. Already, the port has earned a bad name because of slow handling of cargo and overall lack of operational efficiency.

A trouble usually brews over a period of time and then erupts into a full blown crisis in the shape of work stoppage. So why isn't there a mechanism involving the stakeholders that could prevent the port from coming to a complete standstill?

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The port authorities have failed to keep things under control and strident trade unionism spearheaded by an unhealthy number of trade unions has only served to confound the confusion resulting from inept handling of port matters. The present problem unless resolved quickly it can have a debilitating blow to our export and import trade.

The stalemate at the country's premier port is a matter of great concern in that the country is facing the post-MFA situation where the major factor of competitiveness and salesmanship consists in how quickly and effectively we can transship our merchandise to the port of destination. Hence, the crying need is to enhance our efficiency at every step of the way so as to compete with other nations successfully. The government can ill afford to forget that the port is too important an infrastructure to be managed as poorly as it is today.