NLC workers to continue strike as fresh talks make no headway

Protesting employees of state-run Neyveli Lignite Corporation would continue their strike as another round of talks between the management and the workers' unions today ended in "stalemate", Union sources said.
Regular employees of NLC are on strike since July 20 demanding wage revision.
"There has been no progress in talks. They (management) are maintaining their stand. We are not accepting it. Therefore, tomorrow morning we will be picketing at the company's office in Neyveli," union sources said.
The fifth round of talks between the management and the unions held in the presence of Central Labour Commissioner today, sources said.
However, a company official denied the claims made by the unions, saying the talks were "fruitful" and the issue may be resolved in two or three days.

"We had a very good and fruitful discussion. The Unions and the management have come one step forward. I have tried to see that the gap between the Unions and the management gets reduced on the issue", he said.

"I hope within very short period, may be two or three days, we are going to settle this entire issue", the official said.
However, union sources said that hundreds of NLC employees would hold demonstration at the company headquarters in Neyveli tomorrow to press for their demands.
A Union member claimed that the strike has affected 1000MW of power generation at the facility. NLC generates about 3,000 MW of power and supplies to various states.

NLC officials have claimed that the strike has not affected lignite production and power generation as about 6000 engineers and officers along with 10,000 contract workers and a section of regular workers are reporting to duty.
Employees affiliated to 13 registered trade unions of NLC are on strike since July 20 demanding wage revision. Workers' unions are insisting for 24 per cent increase in wages while the management has offered 10 per cent hike.
NLC has been maintaining the workers were getting better salary than other public sector companies and has requested the Unions to withdraw the strike.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has also sought the intervention of the Central Government to resolve the issue.

Shares of NLC today closed up by 1.55 per cent at Rs 85.20 on BSE.