Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar on Wednesday refused to intervene in the matter involving Sesa Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL) and its union regarding recognition to the newly formed trade union of Sesa workers.
Sesa Mining Employees Union led by Ajitsingh Rane met the Chief Minister seeking his intervention in directing SMCL management to recognise the union which has over 400 workers employed at the Bicholim mining site as it members.
Speaking to media persons aft the meeting, Rane said the Chief Minister informed them that it is an internal matter between the union and Sesa Goa and hence he would not like to intervene. “He has asked us to sit with the company management and sought out the issue,” Rane said.
Following a threat by over 400 workers, Sesa Goa, a subsidy of Vedanta Resources, last week suspended mining operation at their Bicholim site.
The company had asked all the protesting workers not to report to work and hence they would not be entitled to wages from the date of suspension of operations.
“Sesa Goa is not ready to listen to the workers. The workers, who stood with the company when the mining industry was at halt, are now being victimised. The workers are issued terminations and forced to leave the job,” Rane said.
On the other hand, a Sesa Goa official said that the steps taken by the workers are illegal considering that the management has ensured all support to its employees.
