BS reported that hundreds of contract laborers On July 30th 2011 locked the main gate of Essar Steel project in Paradip, affecting the company's construction work.

The agitating laborers have pressed for the fulfillment of their long standing demands which inter alia includes payment of higher wages as well as proper maintenance of records of gratuity and employees provident fund amount.

The situation at the plant site has been worsened by the alleged illegal arrest of a contract worker by police. The arrested contract worker, who is a member of Essar Steel Displaced and Land Losers Sangh was demanding permanent job and fulfillment of various demands of the contract workers.

As a mark of protest against his arrest, hundreds of aggrieved contract workers staged a dharana in front of the plant’s main gate.

Essar Steel Displaced and Land Losers Sangh alleged that the workers were paid less wages and their Gratuity and EPF amount has not been deposited with the relevant authorities by the project management.

Moreover, there are no supply of safety gears like shoes and helmets to the laborers or provision of general insurance and drinking water for them, the Sangh complained.

President of Sangh Mr Bimal Pattnaik claimed there is a provision to give a daily wage INR 275 to wielder, INR 260 to a fitter, INR 220 to a grinder, INR 240 to a rigger, INR 230 to gas cutter, INR 180 to a khalasi and INR 170 to helper but Essar has paid 40% less than the prescribed rate. No compensation has been given yet to displaced families as per the Rehabilitation and Resettlement policy of the state government of 2006.

A company official that “Negotiations are going on to sort out various issues through discussions with the leaders of the Sangh. Construction work has been affected due to labour unrest. Police forces have been deployed at the Essar Steel plant site to avert any law and order problem.”

(Sourced from BS)