The Steel Employees’ Association, Rourkela (SEAR) on Tuesday appealed to the leaders of the National Joint Council for Steels (NJCS) member unions to stop shedding crocodile tears for the steel workers and work for them in true spirit.
“While the workers and officers of other Maharatna and Navratna pubic sector companies have been getting 30 per cent MGB, 46 per cent fringe benefits and hundred per cent PRP since January 1, 2007, what forced the NJCS members sign agreement with the Steel Authority of India limited (SAIl) management at just 21 per cent MGB, 10 to 12 per cent fringe benefit and no PRP for the workers,” SEAR general secretary BN Das wanted to know. He said each worker is suffering a loss of `500 per day due to the aggrement. He criticiSed the members for demanding 17.5 per cent MGB and 8 per cent fringe benefit at the NJCS meeting for the last two years.
“So, instead of confusing the workers further, the leaders should stage a dharna in Delhi and demand all benefits enjoyed by the Maharatna and Navaratna PSU employees,” Das suggested. Das also blamed NJCS leaders for downsizing of grades of diploma engineers and ITI certificate holders in the SAIl.