Indefinite Jute mills strike ends in West Bengal

Kolkata, Feb 12(ANI): Jute mills workers in West Bengal have called off their indefinite strike with effect from Sunday after signing a tri-partite agreement in the presence West Bengal Labour Minister in Kolkata on Friday.

The Jute Mill workers in 52 jute mills in West Bengal had gone on an indefinite strike from December 14, 2009, in support of their demands, which include stoppage of the unfair labour practices, payment of statutory dues, clearance of arrears of DA, regularization of contract workers and deduction of Provident Fund and ESI contribution on actual wages.

It may be recalled that Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran had taken a conscious decision on February 5 to facilitate the consultation process amongst various stakeholders within a stipulated time frame to end the strike.

The Joint Secretary (Jute) and other senior officers of the Textiles Ministry held marathon meetings with various stakeholders on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kolkata to arrive out an amicable settlement.

The Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) and the Additional Labour Commissioner (State) were associated in the consultation process.

Meanwhile, Maran has thanked all the stakeholders for reaching a peaceful settlement in pursuance of his initiative and promised all help for the growth and development of jute sector, including workers, farmers and jute industry. (ANI)