Power generation at NLC to improve as strike ends

Navaratna company Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) is expected to improve its operations gradually over the next few days after a settlement was reached between the Joint Action Council of the 10 labour unions and the NLC management.

NLC's power production has dropped to around 1300-Mw, as against a total generating capacity of 2740-Mw.

The contract labour had been on a strike for the last 52 days, which came to an end on October 24. According to union sources, NLC has agreed to increase the wages of unskilled labourers, adding almost Rs 110 a day from Rs 370 per day, and higher salaries to semi-skilled and highly skilled individuals.

The other allowances apart from the basic salary have also been increased. This was agreed after several talks between the management and the unions in the presence of the labour department officials had failed in the past weeks. An agreement would be signed between the management and the workers in a meeting scheduled next week, said another union official.