Gati workers hold token strike

GANGTOK, 20 Dec: A section of employees of the 99 MW Chujachen hydel project in East Sikkim being developed by Gati Infrastructures held a token strike at the project site office on 19 December.
A press release issued by one Anil Tamang informs that they were protesting the laying off of local workers by the company and also fulfillment of demands. The deadline given by them to the company ended yesterday.
The release adds that the workers have approached the area MLA and the Chief Minister with their complaint but to no avail. They mention that they have been engaged in the project for the past 9-10 years and are now being arbitrarily terminated as the project is nearing completion.
Of the around 123 local employees engaged with the company, 71 have been let off, it is informed, and it is expected that more will be let off as new lists are drawn. The first list of employees to be discharged was released on 21 November; the second list of employees to be retrenched was released by the company on 29 November, it is informed. The workers had also alleged that the company was not providing other kinds of benefits such as increments, promotions, bonus etc.