Strike by contractor's workers hits Tata Chem's Haldia operations

An "illegal strike" by contractor's workers at Tata Chemicals' Haldia fertiliser plant has taken alarming proportions and the company may have to take recourse to closure if the agitation continues indefinitely.

Tata Chemicals, on Friday said the ongoing strike by contractors' workers at its Haldia factory will have 'serious implications' on the unit's future and the industrial township itself, which may not hence be a preferred location for investors.

Tata Chemicals, the world's second largest producer of soda ash, expressed concern over the uncertainty of the operations of the Haldia fertiliser unit.

"We have been putting up regular notices requesting contractors and their workmen to resume duties. Our deep concern is that the ongoing illegal strike will severely impact the future of the factory," the company said in a statement.

The company said the workers have raised fresh demands after a reaching a consensus on 8 January. The consensus was arrived at tripartite meetings attended by the contractors, district labour commissioner of East Midnapore and the workers, the company said in its release.

He said the employees' union raised fresh demands after all the parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which hampered the signing of a long-term wage settlement.