Date:03/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/03/stories/2008040354900500.htm

Tamil Nadu

Over 1,500 NLC contract labourers court arrest

Special Correspondent

NEYVELI: Over 1,500 contract labourers of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation courted arrest here on Wednesday, as part of the ongoing strike which entered the fifth day.

They gathered at Mandarakuppam bus stand in the morning and took out a procession to Mine-II where they attempted to picket the NLC office.

The police rounded them up and took them to the NLC middle school at Thandavankuppam.

After keeping them in custody for the rest of the day, the police let the labourers free in the evening.

District vice-president of the All India Trade Union Congress T. Manivasagam said the picketing would continue till April 7 (except Sunday).

He said the contractors were ready to give bonus to the labourers, provided the management, which is the principal employer, gives its consent.

However, the “indifferent attitude” of the management had precipitated the matter.

Meanwhile, District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo and Superintendent of Police Pradip Kumar visited the NLC and held talks separately with all stakeholders.