Paradip: A strike launched by the Daily Labour Roll (DLR) staff of the Paradip Port demanding a pay hike entered Day 2 today.
The DLR staff staged the indefinite dharna since yesterday in front of the Port Officers’ Club demanding the pay increase and other benefits. They alleged minimum facilities are not provided by the port authorities.
Bapi Sarkhel, president of the Paradip Port DLR Employees’ Association, said, “After working for 20 years, the DLR staff are managing family with a meagre Rs 6,900 with much difficulties in Paradip. But the management of the Paradip Port without calling its staff for talks are forming high level committees and taking decisions.”
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He further stated, “The DLR staff had discussions with the previous chairman on the several issues. However, the present chairman has surrendered before the port management on the behest of BJD leaders.”
Refuting the charges, the Paradip Port authorities said a high-level committee will submit a report on the demands of the DLR staff to the Shipping Ministry on September 15. A decision on this has been taken in a meeting on September 3.
N. Vaiyapuri. Deputy Chairman, Paradip Port, said, “The port has awarded various works on contract basis and the contractors carry out work by engaging their own labourers and arrangements. Last week some workers had come and submitted memorandum on issues pertaining to the contract labourers.
He added, “The port administration has appointed a committee under chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman to look into the matter and a discussion was held on September 3.”