ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns examining the ongoing reforms of the global port sector, and focuses particular on Kolkata and Haldia ports in India. It explores some of the issues associated with labour rationalisation and displacement, in particular, by describing and analysing data from interviews and documents concerning the reform of the West Bengal port sector. The chapter argues that the predominant policy towards displacement in the port sector does not adequately consider the ex-post lived experience of those who are displaced. It draws on qualitative interviews conducted with port managers, unionists, and especially draws on interviews of those who have been displaced by the construction of the facilities at Haldia. The chapter outlines some features of the substantial investment being undertaken to improve India's maritime trade through its redevelopment of its ports. The rationalisation of workforce numbers, increased casualisation, and de-unionisation of dockworker labour has led to worsening conditions and a worrying lack of mechanisms to monitor safety.
