Paradip Oil Refinery workers launch indefinite stir

Paradip: Over a hundred workers of the IOCL Paradip Oil Refinery unit today resorted to an indefinite dharna in front of main gate of the unit pressing for fulfillment of a 10-point charter of demands, including minimum wage of Rs 18,000 per month.

Holding banners and black flags, the workers under the aegis of Paradip Ersama Industrial Workers' Union (PEIWU) staged the protest, partially affecting production at the unit.

“We had earlier staged a protest pressing for our demands. The authorities had assured us to initiate discussions in this regard. However, no action has been taken so far for which we decided to stage an indefinite strike,” said a protestor.

The other demands of the union include timely payment of wages, provision of EPF and ESI facilities and reappointment of retrenched workers.

Despite several attempts, reaction of refinery authorities could not be obtained.