Workers strike halts construction of greenfield airport in Sikkim

Pakyong (Sikkim), Oct 21 (ANI): The construction of a greenfield airport has come to a standstill here after the workers went on a strike on Thursday over their demands for better wage package and medical facilities.

At least 800 workers belonging to the construction contractor have been demanding better wage package and medical facilities.

The workers are demanding a hike in their basic salary, transparency in the salary disbursal facilities and the facility for taking leave of absence.

"Strike is because there is no payment. There is no work on Sundays, there have been no payments made from last three to four months," said Subhojeet, a worker.

Another striking worker alleged that the employer did not pay them their due wages.

"If they pay they make us sign on a paper on which amount is not mentioned. So, there is no record of the amount being paid," said Mrinal De, another worker.

The project is slated to be completed by 2012.

The Pakyong airport after its completion will have a 1,700-metre-long runway, two parking bays and a capacity to handle 100 passengers - 50 arriving and 50 departing - at a time. (ANI)