NLC talks ends in stalemate; strike enters Day 38

An end to the 38-day old strike by contract workers of Neyveli Lignite Corporation remained elusive as talks held here today between the representatives of unions and top management to break the impasse failed to yeild any positive result.
The talks between the mangement and the 11 associated unions were held in the presence of NLC Chairman and Managing Director Surendar Mohan for several hours here, Union sources said.
Emerging from the meeting, Shanmugam, Leader of Labour Progressing Front, said, "the unions staged a walkout as the management offered an increase of Rs 100 per day per labourer. We have clearly told them that it is not acceptable".

"The talks were held for several hours. But, the management is not ready to accept the demands by the workers," he said.
However, NLC's General Manager, Balaji said the management has made the best offer for the workers.
"According to us, We have made the best offer to them. It is a very good package offered to them. Earlier the package (for the contract labourers was Rs 370. We have said it will be increased to Rs 470. Apart from that we have also informed them that we will give paid holiday for the labourers," he told reporters.