It is affiliated with the socialist trade union center Hind Mazdoor Sabha.
The previous agreement between the port unions and the government had expired in January 1988.
Frustrated with the lack f progress in negotiations, AIPDWF, as well as unions affiliated with INTUC and AITUC launched a strike in June 1989.
After four days, a breakaway faction led by Shanti Patel, called off the strike and gained recognition from the government.
[1] In recent times, AIPDWF has become a vocal opponent of the Indian government's plan to corporatize the various publicly owned ports, viewing the step as a give-away of public property to private firms.