Dasgupta seeks CM's intervention into HM deadlock

Kolkata, Apr 11 (UNI) Condemning the suspension of work in Hindustan Motors' Uttarpara factory, AITUC General Secretary Gururdas Dasgupta today sought the intervention of West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to solve the problems in the country's oldest automobile manufacturing unit.

Holding the management "fully responsible" for the situation that led to the suspension of work, Mr Dasgupta also appealed to the state government not to allow the C K Birla Group, the holding company of Hindustan Motors, to sell off 400 acres of its excess land until a settlement was reached over the workers' demands.

"The management alone is responsible for the situation as the workers had no other option but to go for a strike. An overwhelming majority of them have joined the strike and I appeal to all the Central trade unions to stand by the workers," he said while addressing a press conference.

Mr Dasgupta said he had already talked to the chief minister over the issue and requested him to break the deadlock.

The Hindustan Motors Management declared the suspension of work last night in the Uttarpara factory citing "lawlessness" as the reason for its action.

A section of the factory's 4,500-strong workforce had been on an indefinite strike since March 14 under the banner of Sangrami Sramik Karmachari Union (SSKU) demanding increase in dearness alowances, frozen for six years, and revision in their wages.

While the CITU-backed union was opposing the strike, the SSKU comprised members from other unions.

Mr Dasgupta alleged that the attitude of the management frustrated all attempts by the workers and even a tripartite meeting, convened by the state government for a negotiated settlement, fell flat because of its attitude.

"We also want industrialisation in West Bengal. But that does not mean that workers cannot resort to agitation or strike to get fulfilled their lawful demands," he said in reply to a question.

Mr Dasgupta, however, refused to be "drawn into controversy" when asked to comment on the role of the Left Government in solving the prolonged unrest in Hindustan Motors. "I do not think that the state government is silent," he said.

UNI