Vijayakanth criticises TN MPs for not taking up NLC issue

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Nov 21 (UNI) Actor-Politician and DMDK Leader Vijayakanth announced solidarity with the striking contract labourers of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) whose agitation entered the eight day today.

Addressing the workers who were on hunger strike, Mr Vijayakanth criticised the MPs from Tamil Nadu for not taking up the issue with the Centre.

If necessary, he would meet the Chief Minister and hold talks with him on the issue.

Later, PMK MP Ponnusamy met the striking employees and expressed support to them.

Meanwhile, NLC trade unions barring the DMK-led LPF said they would strike work for 24 hours from November 23 night in support of the contract labourers.

The strikers were demanding among other things 8.33 per cent bonus even as the management said it could not concede as contract employees were not entitled to the benefit.

The NLC claimed, the labourers had been paid Rs 1,000 as advance and Rs 500 as bonus by the contractors and appealed to the employees not to strike work.

Sources said power generation was likely to remain unaffected on the day of strike as the majority trade union (LPF) and many contract workers had kept themselves away from the agitation.

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