Pharma workers to begin protest from Oct 16
THE GOAN NETWORK
PONDA
Protesting against their transfers to Himachal Pradesh, about 86 workers of a pharmaceutical company from Bethora have served an ultimatum to resort to sit-in protest in front of the Labour Commission office at Shram Shakti Bhavan in Panaji from October 16.
Workers on confirmed basis on Tuesday staged a 'dharna' in front of the company and raised slogans against the company management.
According to sources, these workers were working in the company since the last 30 years. “We have very less salaries, but still we managed to work as we have dedicated our time for the last 30 years,” a worker told media persons outside the company gate.
Bhartiya Majdoor Sangh, which is supporting the workers, said they will fight for them.
Speaking to media persons, trade union leader advocate Hrudaynath Shirodkar said the workers were told about transfers without giving intimation regarding the closure.
“The company suddenly displayed notice regarding the closure of the company. The company stated that the factory will not operate henceforth. If they want to shut down, then the company should avail permission of Goa government and we condemn if the government has given it,” Shirodkar said.
According to Shirodkar, apart from these 86 workers, there are other 100-odd staff who will also deprived of service after its closure. “Hence, to get justice we have decided to stage 'dharna' in front of the Labour Commission office and also will meet the ministers concerned,” Shirodkar said.
The workers have demanded that ministers concerned and the company management should hold a joint meeting with them to come out with a solution.
Shirodkar said the company management has violated the labour laws and though it was brought to the notice of the Labour Commission, no action was taken.
“We are resorting to a sit in protest in front the Labour Commission office, as they didn't pay heed to our request,” added Shirodkar.
