Chennai: Import and export of cargo at the Air Cargo Complex at Chennai has come to halt after the clearing staffs decided to stop work.
Industry sources said the strike may have an impact on the automobile majors who have factories in and around Chennai, as they import critical components. It may be noted, automobile industry accounts about 12% of the total import in this complex.
In the last four months this Complex has been facing turbulent times due to shortage of Customs Officers, frequent strikes or slowdown by the Ground Handling Agency (GHA) of Airport Authorities of India (AAI).
A V Vijayakumar, president, The Chennai Customs House Agents Association said they have been sharing their concerns in various forums – PTFC, CAFAC and with the Ministries of Finance, Commerce, Civil Aviation and also with various trade bodies.
He represents the association, which has around 1,000 members with about 600-700 staff members in the Air Cargo Complex alone.
17/05/13 T E Narasimhan/Business Standard
