Tamil Nadu   

NLC labourers go on hunger strike

Special Correspondent

Vijayakant extends support

NEYVELI: Around 2,000 contract labourers of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation began their two-day hunger strike at Neyveli on Tuesday, in support of their demands such as minimum bonus and parity in wages. Member of Parliament E. Ponnuswami inaugurated the fasting at "Q" bridge at 8.30 a.m. He called upon the NLC management speedily resolve the issue. He expressed the support of the PMK for the cause.

Hind Mazdoor Sabha secretary Sukumaran said that, on account of the ongoing strike, the NLC was incurring loss of Rs. 5 crore a day, in terms of dwindling lignite production and power generation.

Whereas, if the management had agreed to pay the bonus, the financial outgo would be hardly Rs. 3.25 crore.

DMDK backs strike

The founder of DMDK, Vijayakant, who made a surprise appearance at the fasting venue, said he would meet Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and seek his intervention to resolve the issue.

Mr. Vijayakant opined that the NLC management could consider regularising the contract labourers, who had put in 25 years of service. He even suggested that the NLC management dispense with the contract system and directly recruit labourers so such ticklish issues could be resolved without delay.

He alleged that by not conceding the just demands of the labourers, the NLC management had failed to fulfil their basic requirements. The DMDK would always be with the labourers, and wished them success in their agitation. The INTUC leader, Kalan also expressed solidarity with the labourers. Sekar, AITUC district general secretary, delivered the concluding address for the day. Heavy police bandobust had been posted on the NLC campus.

The Labour Progressive Front, the only recognised union of the NLC, stayed away from the strike.

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