Talcher: Coal mining operations in Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) were severely affected today following cessation of work in concerted manner by the contractors’ workers engaged in coal mining operations at Talcher coalfields.
Mahanadi Coalfields Contractual Transport Workers’ Union had called for an agitation today in support of their demands, primarily the payment of enhanced HPC (High Power Committee) wages.
The enhanced HPC wages — announced from April 1, 2018 — have already been communicated to the MCL Areas and have been implemented for the tendered works whereas Coal India board has also given its nod for hike for ESM and PAP companies’ workers, which is being placed before the Board of MCL for implementation.
When things are moving speedily for implementation of enhanced HPC wages, i.e. from Rs 509 to Rs 514 for unskilled; Rs 550 to 556 for semi-skilled; Rs 591 to 598 for skilled and Rs 632 to 641 for highly skilled per day, the stoppage by contrcators’ workers is uncalled for, unjust and detrimental to the national interest.
MCL is already paying HPC wages to its contractors’ workers and no external influence is required for implementation of any welfare and training measures, which are approved centrally at Coal India level.
The contractors’ workers in Talcher Coalfields had resorted to cessation of work at 0600 hrs today, affecting coal production and supply from the company to the tune of about two lakh tonne in a day.
As against 2.13 lakh tonne coal supplied to consumer from Talcher coalfields yesterday, MCL could dispatch only seven rakes from its departmentally-run Railway Sidings No. 3 and No. 4 till this afternoon.
MCL is leading coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India, contributing 25 per cent to its total production.
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