Keonjhar Forest and Mines Workers Union affiliated to the AITUC has threatened to stop transporting of iron ores from mines of Joda Mining sector in protest against the non- payment of legitimate dues to the workers.
Sources close to general secretary, Keonjhar Mines and Forest Workers’ Union Maheswar Rout revealed that mines owners like Essel Mining, KJS Ahlluwa and Mesco Steel have retrenched 4,000 ,1,000 and 500 workers, respectively, after the lease period of their mines ended on March 31.
As per rules, it is the duty of the mines owners to make all the payments like gratuity, bonus, leave and all others retrenchment benefits to the workers within 48 hours of retrenchment / retirement but even after pass of more than 2 months no payment has been made to them by the company on the plea of lock down and cash crunch.
On the other hand, new lease holders like JSPL and others haven't started their mining as yet for which thousands of workers are wandering without any work in their hands and leading a miserable life in Keonjhar district.
In this regard, the union had filled a case in the Central Labour Commissioner, Rourkela but no hearing of the case has been done due to the lockdown.
Under the above circumstances, the Keonjhar Mines and Forest Workers’ Union has issued notice to the appropriate authorities warning that if legitimate payment of the workers is not done within seven days of notice, it will block the road to stop the transporting of iron ore from Joda mining sector.