Paradip, Sept 8: The hunger strike and protest by hundreds of labourers and their family members at Paradip port demanding pay hike, which began on Wednesday, entered the second day of protest today.
The strike launched by the Daily Labour Roll (DLR) staff and led by Congress strongman Bapi Sarkhel, demanding pay hike and permanent job, have staged dharna since yesterday in front of the Port Officers’ Club.
The demands include minimum salary of Rs 18,000 and benefits like free checkups in port hospital, accommodation, and water and power facilities, besides regularisation of job.
No impact has been observed in the cargo operation due to the strike till now. However, one of the protestor said that the agitators would paralyze cargo operation in Paradip Port if the concerned authorities fail to address their demands as soon as possible.
By addressing the media, Sarkhel said that DLR workers only get a sum of Rs six to seven thousand per month which makes it very difficult in these times to sustain their family.
He further added that the DLR workers had discussions about the several issues with the previous chairman. However, on the supposed directive of BJD leaders, the present chairman has relented before the port management.
However refusing this, the Paradip Port authorities said the decision to form a report by a high-level committee on the demands of the DLR staff was taken on September 3, who would submit the report to the Shipping Ministry on September 15.
