SCCL mine production hit as contract workers launch indefinite strike

Contract workers at the VKCM opencast mine in Kothagudem launched an indefinite strike over a bonus payment dispute, affecting production. The workers are demanding the full 20 per cent bonus, legal entitlements and better working conditions, while talks remain inconclusive

Kothagudem: Production work at SCCL VKCM opencast mine in Kothagudem has been affected as contract workers hired by Shodha Constructions Private Limited (SCPL) abstained from work.

The Singareni Contract Workers’ Unions JAC called for an indefinite strike over a dispute over bonus payment after the talks held with the SCPL and SCCL officials failed to yield any result. The strike commenced at night shift on Tuesday.

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On Wednesday the JAC leaders and workers staged a protest at the mine in support of the demand. The workers are demanding the full payment of 20 percent bonus to them, the provision of their legal rights and entitled facilities and an immediate end to the harassment of workers.

The JAC leaders G Veeraswamy, Jetti Mohan Rao, N Sanjeev, Nagaiah and others alleged that though they have requested Shoda Constructions management to pay the bonus for the past two months, the company delayed the payment on the pretext of talks.

When the JAC was about to give a strike call the management had credited a meagre amount towards the bonus into their bank accounts on Tuesday without any prior notification. In protest against this, the workers began their agitation on Tuesday evening and are continuing it.

The leaders made it clear that there is no question of calling off the protest until the full bonus, rightfully owed to the workers, is paid. They urged the Singareni management to intervene immediately, hold talks with the management of Shoda Constructions, and ensure justice for the workers.

They stated that workers are facing hardships due to the negligence of the management and warned that if the full bonus was not paid the strike would go on indefinitely. Meanwhile, the JAC leader Mohan Rao informed that the SCCL officials invited them for talks during late evening hours in the day, but could not arrive at any decision.