The Eastern India Oil Refinery Workers’ Union (EIORWU) celebrated the International labour Day in a grand manner on its office premises near Zero Point on May 1.
The guests were brought to the venue in a huge rally consisting of about 20,000 men and women workers of the union, which passed through the main streets of Paradip.
EIORWU president Santosh Kumar Pattnaik presided over the meeting while Jagatsinghpur MlA Bishnu Charan Das joined as chief guest, former Trustee of Paradip Port Trust Saroj Kumar Pattnaik and Odia fortnightly Parada editor was the chief speaker. Besides, Prashant Paikray of the Pioneer, former chairman of Paradip Municipality Gobinda Chandra Tarai and local leader Harekrushna Samal were honourable guests. EIORWU general secretary Ranjan Kumar Pallai introduced the guests and read out the annual reports. MlA Das called upon all to work for the unity and interest of the workers.
He said though there are a number of unions at Paradip with members of port and other organizations, who are permanent employees of the organisation, the EIORWU created a history in Paradip by inducting unemployed youth as its members and providing employment to many of them. He also criticised the selfishness and inefficiencies of the local politicians of various political parties. He alleged that these local politicians with police in their hands are creating law and order situation in the area.
EIORWU president Santosh Pattnaik said his union has provided direct and indirect employment to around 25,000 workers from among its 38,000 members. In near future, the union will arrange another 25,000 placements, he promised.
He added that the union is providing monthly allowance to 3,500 old people and physically challenged persons of the area. Besides, it is taking measures to protect environment and promote sports, health and education in the area, he maintained.
Prashant Paikray of the Pioneer lauded the contribution of the union for the development of the local people and wished a bright future of the union. A cultural programme was organised.