Jute mill workers call off strike

Jute mill workers in West Bengal have called off their strike with effect from February 14, after mill owners today accepted some of their demands relating to dearness allowance and wage increase.

The workers in about 50 jute mills had gone on an indefinite strike from December 14 last week in support of their demands like stopping the unfair labour practices, payment of statutory dues, clearance of arrears of dearness allowance, regularisation of contract workers and deduction of provident fund, among others. Out of 73 jute mills across India, around 59 are in West Bengal, and 50 are running.

However, with the sugar and food grain packaging season almost over, jute mills were left with few orders in hand in the ensuing season, said Sanjay Kajaria, chairman of the Indian Jute Mills Association. Already, plastic bags are extensively used this season for food grain and sugar packaging due to the strike. Jute Packaging Materials Act (JPMA) of 1987 provides for mandatory use of jute bags to the extent of 100 per cent for packing of the two commodities. Under the terms of agreement, the entry-level daily wage of the workers has been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 157.

The arrears in dearness allowance would be settled in six instalments spread over three years according to the agreement, added Kajaria. The jute mills have agreed to pay last drawn wages to the retired workers in case on re-employment. Also, there will be no contractual services in perennial jobs in jute mills.