The Hindu : National : Fire accident: Bahrain firm to make full settlement

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Thursday, Aug 24, 2006

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National

Fire accident: Bahrain firm to make full settlement

Sandhya Soman

Vayalar Ravi

CHENNAI: Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said on Wednesday that a Bahrain-based construction company would make full settlement to the families of employees killed in a fire last month.

Mr. Ravi told The Hindu that the Royal Construction Towers had assured the Government that it would pay the amount as per the local laws immediately. Sixteen construction workers — from Villupuram, Cuddalore and Perambalur districts in Tamil Nadu — were killed after a fire broke out on July 30 in a building housing the company employees. The company, Mr. Ravi said, had also agreed to bring all the other Indian employees under a new work contract, approved by the Ministry of Labour there. "The rest of the employees, numbering up to 200, had struck work after the tragedy, citing unpaid salaries and poor living conditions. We negotiated with the company through the Bahrain Labour Ministry and reached an agreement."

All dues to be paid

The company had also agreed to sponsor all the employees and pay all the dues. Those who wished to continue would be moved to Ministry-approved accommodation. Others would be sent back to India within a week at the cost of the company.

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