Citing various problems of the coal workers and the inhospitable working conditions in the mines under the Mahanadi Coalfields limited (MCl), the BMS-affiliated Talcher Koila Khani Mazdoor Sangh has threatened to hold a two-day agitation and cease work on February 13 and 14 demanding an early solution of the hardship of the mine workers.
At a Press meet here the Sangh members alleged that the workers engaged in different coal mines are being exploited and not paid their wages and minimum amenities including safety materials and drinking water at the mines. Besides, the members said no steps are taken to control dust emission.
The association demanded a halt to outsourcing of jobs in mines, roads from Hingula to Talcher by-pass, implementation of high power committee decision regarding payment of mid wage to contractual workers, construction of new company quarters for the employees landoustees, drinking water, fixing calendar of structural meeting, installation of washeries in all mega projects to avoid coal pilferage, set up regional hospitals in all areas along with upgradation of the Nehru Satabdi Central Hospital, immediate recruitment of more doctors and paramedical staff in the hospital and payment of all allowances from the date of appointment.
“We have intimated these problems to the Union Coal Ministry Secretary, Coal India limited Chairman, labour Commissioner, State Government and the Angul administration and sought immediate solution of the problems,” said association general secretary Ranjan Behera.
Among others, trade union leaders Balakrishna Biswal, Narottam Behera, Sanjit Kumar Mohapatra, Sanjay Kumar Pradhan and Manoranjan Pradhan were present.