The Hindu : Karnataka News : Iron ore truckers' strike continues

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Thursday, Dec 30, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Iron ore truckers' strike continues

Special Correspondent

Average rates paid are Rs. 6 to Rs. 7 a ton per km
Truck operators asking for Rs. 11.27 a ton per km

PANAJI: The iron ore transportation has been hit badly in most parts of the State, particularly in south Goa, as truck operators' agitation entered third day on Wednesday with no solution yet in sight.

An official spokesman of Goa Mineral Ore Exporters' Association (GMOEA), a body representing iron ore exporters, told The Hindu that it was not possible for the industry to accept the demanded rate of Rs. 11.27 per tonne per km across the industry. “The rates differ from mine to mine, based on distance involved, the number of trips involved,” he said as he rejected the striker's demand for uniform rate. He said that average rates paid were in the range of Rs. 6 to Rs. 7 a tonne per km. “One of the mining companies had accepted this rate under its unique situation, but that could not be taken as a norm for the industry ,” he said. The State Transport Department had been trying to resolve the issue. But after negotiations failed on Tuesday between representatives of truck operators and those of the mining industry, the department indicated that it would be compelled to intervene to fix the rates.

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