BCMU not to participate in Jute workers' indefinite strike

Kolkata, Nov 5 (UNI) The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-affiliated Bengal Chatkal Majdoor Union has decided not to participate in the proposed 19 trade unions-called indefinite strike in the jute industry from December 1.

''The CITU will not oppose the strike but we have informed all the other trade unions that we need more time to prepare ourselves before calling an indefinite strike. We have also clarified that in the present situation the demands could be meted out only if the jute industries survive in the state,'' BCMU general secretary Gobinda Guha told newspersons here today.

He alleged that the owners of the jute factories were not paying the workers their genuine dues, including dearness allowances, and the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre was protecting the jute industry owners and working in their favour.

''We felt that the need of the hour was to discuss with the Centre about the settlement of workers' demands before going ahead with the indefinite strike. However, as it has not materialised, we will go ahead with our movement in the near future,'' CITU state secretary Kali Ghosh said.

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