Tension in NLC as contract labourers stop staff at gate

Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, Nov 23 (UNI) Tension prevailed in the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) with striking contract labourers prevented the regular staff from entering the premises and asking those working on the shift to halt work and come out.

The agitation of the 10,300 contract labourers who were demanding 8.33 per cent bonus entered the tenth day today with the only recognised union -- LPF-- lending support to the struggle by asking its members to go on a 24-hour token strike beginning 2200 hrs tonight.

Agitated contract labourers prevented the buses carrying the staff from entering the NLC premises even as police tried to calm the situation by talking to them.

However, it was of no avail. More than 600 policemen were on duty and reinforcements requistioned, police sources said.

Later, the labourers at a meeting resolved not to allow NLC transport to ply in the township tomorrow.

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