Special Correspondent
CHENNAI: The Labour Progressive Federation-affiliated electricity employees union has welcomed the agreement between the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and some of the labour unions, paving the way for the regularisation of services of 21,600 contract workers in the Board in a phased manner.
The agreement was signed under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, before the Labour Commissioner on August 10.
Thanking Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy, press statement issued by the general secretary, Singara. Rathina Sabapathy, said as per the agreement 6,000 workers would be appointed in permanent Mastoor Grade-2 vacancies on September 15, the birth anniversary of C.N. Annadurai.
Of the remaining 15,600 workers, 6,000 would be engaged as daily wage labourers, with a salary of Rs. 70 a day for a year, after which they would be absorbed as Mastoor Grade-2. Another batch of 6,000 employees would be appointed daily wage labourers on December 1, 2008, and would be appointed in Mastoor Grade-2 vacancies on December 1, 2009.
Eligible employees would be entitled to identity cards, attendance registers and provident fund contribution. Eligible persons among contract labourers would be appointed helper and meter readers.
Meanwhile, the CITU-affiliated Central Organisation of Tamil Nadu Electricity Employees has called for the State Government’s intervention to set right the infirmities in the agreements.
