Almost all trucks in the Gajapati district headquarters of Parlakhemundi here stayed off the roads for the last 11 days with the truck owners having ceased operation of the vehicles without giving any reason since September 13.
As a result of this, workers of more than 70 trucks in the district headquarters are having harrowing time with new no income due to unemployment.
Protesting such injustice by the owners, large number of truck staffs took out a rally followed by a protest meeting here on Wednesday. later, the agitated staffs submitted memorandum to the district Collector, SP, District labour Officer.
The demands include provision of `9,000 salary to truck workers with `200 incentive, weekly leave and medical allowance, etc.
“With a minimum salary, it has become difficult for the truck workers eak out a living amidst price rise of various commodities. The truck owners have stopped operation of the trucks, as we demanded increase in salary”, said Truck Workers’ Association president Sunil Pattanaik said.
Among others, association advisor Ruben Misal, vice-president Bhenkata Rao and secretary Ashwini Kumar Mishra took part in the protest.