HBT to reduce its workforce by 275 workers

Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT), a special purpose vehicle of the LDA-ABG consortium, has two berths, 2 and 8 for mechanized handling of cargo at Haldia Dock Complex. HBT announced that it has decided to downsize its workforce by retrenching 275 workers. HBT Chief Executive Officer Mr.Gurpreet Malhi informed in a written communication their decision of retrenchment which would be in effect from 24 September. The communication states that “All dues and benefits for these employees have been cleared in full compliance with Indian laws and regulations”. The Kolkata Port Trust looks upon this decision as rash and the management has written to HBT, according to an official of the KoPT “not to take any steps that may result in a law-and-order crisis at the port”.  The management has also requested all the stakeholders to extend their cooperation to solve the crisis. The KoPT official said: “We are exploring all options and once they are exhausted, we shall be forced to take an ultimate decision that may not fare well for the state”. KoPT is likely to have a stakehoders’ meet at Haldia on Thursday to seek a solution and it might be followed by an emergency board meeting on Friday to discuss steps to sort out the issue.

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