Pollution update

Contract workers in Pioneer threaten to go on strike; ask for better working conditions and proper disposal of effluents - SIPCOTCuddalore.com

Cuddalore, 3 June 2008: Contract workers of Pioneer Miyagi Chemicals have threatened to go on a strike and a road blockade if their demands of permanency, better working conditions and proper disposal of effluents from the unit are not met soon. Issuing a notice to this effect on 20th May 2008, the workers said that they have the support of the CITU Union, one of the more dominant Unions in the factory.

The workers and their families who are mostly from Semmankuppam and neighbouring villages declared their intention to go on a strike after the continued dismal working conditions and repeated illegal discharges of effluents from the unit.

According to the bit notice and the wall posters issued by the workers, their demands are:

1. Permanency of the all contract workers.
2. Proper treatment and discharge of the effluents through CUSECS instead of the illegal route currently used by the unit.
3. Better facilities and proper treatment to the workers.
4. A raise in the salary and recognition to the union of the contract workers.
5. Involvement of the District Administration and Labour Department in the decision making of the unit towards the workers.

The workers have also been able to mobilise support from the other villagers and local consumer groups of Semmankuppam. It is also learnt that CITU Union members are separately pursuing the issue of illegal effluent discharges from the Unit with the management.

Pioneer Miyagi has proposed two stages of negotiations involving District Revenue Officer and Labour Department Officer to resolve the matter. The meetings are yet to take place.