KARACHI, Nov 23: Gwadar Port workers have threatened to go on strike if authorities fail to resolve the issue of the job confirmation.

The Gwadar mini-port started its trial operation in 1993 and was being run without proper staff. Nearly 56 workers were appointed on daily wages for the port’s security.

The port workers went on strike on Oct 29 last protesting against the delay in confirming their services and were adamant to go on strike again.

Talking to Dawn Gwadar District Nazim Babu Ghulab expressed concern over the situation and asked the authorities to take notice of the deteriorating condition of the port.

He said that the decision of the chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority to terminate the services of two local senior officials had caused resentment among the people.

The Nazim said that the decision was totally against the policy of President Musharraf of accommodating locals in the port services.

The president during his March 22, 2000 speech, while accepting the request of the District Nazim, had publicly announced the confirmation of all the temporary staff of the Gwadar Port. But the chairman had never implemented the orders, he added.

The Gwadar Nazim who returned from Quetta on Sunday said he had had a meeting with Balochistan Governor Amirul Mulk Mengal and apprised him of the resentment of the people about the termination of the two senior officials.

He sought the intervention of the federal authorities and urged the induction of skilled and qualified staff at the port.

The Nazim lamented that more than nine years had passed but the services of the employees were not confirmed, forcing them once again to go on strike.

Despite the fact that there had always been a shortage of skilled manpower but the port authorities were hesitant to appoint permanent staff on one pretext or the other, he added.

It was learnt that a few years back some 150 posts were sanctioned by the Federal Establishment, but were not filled for the reasons best know to the authorities.