The social climate at the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd (CHCL) in Mauritius continues to deteriorate, with industrial relations reportedly at an all-time low. The country's port sector unions are demanding the departure of the company's Director General, Gassen Dorsamy, whose contract is set to expire in November 2026. The unions claim that Dorsamy's management, since his return to the role in December 2024, has contributed to the decline in industrial relations and accumulation of disputes affecting the company's operations.
The Port-Louis Maritime Employees Association (PLMEA), the Port-Louis Harbour and Docks Workers Union, and the Docks and Wharves Staff Employees Association, collectively known as the Front syndical portuaire, have submitted a request to the Prime Minister to reject the renewal of Dorsamy's contract. They cite alleged breaches of the collective agreement, unilateral decisions, and persistent degradation of social dialogue as reasons for their opposition. The unions also highlight tensions that arose during the recent curfew period, which they claim hindered port operations due to disagreements between management and union representatives.
The disputes between the unions and management date back to December 2024, when the company announced measures to improve port productivity. These measures included controls on absences, authorization for union representatives, and work organization for equipment operators. The PLMEA contested these decisions, arguing that they were made without prior consultation. The union subsequently sought intervention from the Ministry of Labor in January 2025, claiming that certain decisions infringed on workers' rights.
The PLMEA has identified 14 areas of dispute with management, including union leave, employee transfers, equipment staffing, sick leave, promotions, and certain allowances. The union also accuses management of modifying employees' working conditions and imposing tasks that do not align with their usual responsibilities. Several of these disputes have been submitted to conciliation and mediation bodies, although the outcomes are not publicly available.
Union representatives also allege that some members have faced pressure, including changes to working conditions and transfers they consider punitive. The PLMEA cites the case of a union official whose role was altered, and claims that around 300 employees have been affected by delayed promotions dating back to 2017. These issues are among the primary sources of worker discontent.
The question of port productivity is another point of contention. In March 2025, the PLMEA disputed statements attributed to Dorsamy regarding an alleged 30% absenteeism rate among CHCL employees. The union requested data to support this claim, arguing that unauthorized absences accounted for only 1-3% of the workforce.
Gassen Dorsamy has disputed the unions' analysis, and the situation remains complex at CHCL, with ongoing tensions between management and union representatives. The Prime Minister's intervention is being sought to resolve the impasse and determine the future of Dorsamy's contract.
Key points
- Unions at CHCL oppose renewal of Gassen Dorsamy's contract due to deteriorating industrial relations and alleged breaches of collective agreement.
- Disputes between unions and management date back to December 2024, with 14 areas of contention identified by the PLMEA.
- The situation at CHCL remains uncertain, with the Prime Minister's intervention being sought to resolve the contract dispute.
