SAGT strikes deal with workers to end 13-day operational disruption

South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT), a private container terminal operating at the Colombo port, has managed to strike a deal with its workers, ending a 13-day operational disruption at its berth, SAGT said in a statement, yesterday.  
“We deeply regret the disruption caused to our customers and thank each for their support and understanding. We are pleased however, to have gained consensus with our internal stakeholders involved in restoring normalcy of terminal performance in a pragmatic and sustainable way with immediate effect,” SAGT CEO Erwin Haaze said. 
The disruption caused the diversion of several vessels to the two other terminals in the port.
“We very much appreciate the operational collaboration of the SLPA, JCT & CICT in our collective focus on minimizing impact to the Port of Colombo during this time”.
Although the company declined to comment on details leading to the resolution, it is believed that despite the initial days of stand-off, dialogue in the 24 hours prior to settlement had been very constructive with all parties determined to find a resolution and end the continued disruption caused 
to customers. 
“This agreement maintained the sanctity of the Collective Agreement (CA) signed just six months ago, yet enabled us to accomplish a sustainable outcome based on sensible principles of workforce engagement in a commercially responsible way,” SAGT General Manager Chandana Wijayanama said.