Condemning the delay in taking positive steps for ending the ongoing indefinite strike by the workers of brassware manufacturing units, the protestors opened a gruel centre at Tirunelveli Town on Thursday to feed their family members.
Labourers working with over 50 brassware manufacturing units in and around Old Pettai here struck work on June 23 demanding hike in their wages. The protesting labourers said they, who were being given the wages of Rs. 250 a day, had to go on strike to highlight their demand for 50 per cent hike. Though they had given representations to their owners on several occasions, their “genuine demand” was yet to be addressed.
To highlight their demand further, they observed a token strike on June 23, which paralysed manufacturing of brassware in the units in and around Old Pettai. When the owners and the Department of Labour Welfare failed to initiate talks with the protesting workers, the strike intensified further.
Against this backdrop, the striking brassware workers opened a gruel centre in Tirunelveli Town on Thursday to feed their family members and highlight their demand. “The strike will continue despite the owners’ attempts to neutralise the agitation,” said the striking workers.
