Merck workers threaten strike

Team Herald

PONDA: The Merck Employees Union has served a seven-day ultimatum on the management of Merck India Ltd, Usgao, to meet their charter of demands, including Rs 16000 hike in salary, failing which the workers have threatened to go on an indefinite strike and stop functioning of the company including its production.

The ultimatum was served on the management of the company during a protest staged by the employees on Tuesday under the leadership of treaded union leader Ajitsingh Rane.

The protest was held to demand the fulfillment of the charter of demands of the employees, which they claim, has been pending for over 30 years. The protesters also condemned the “unfair labour” practices being followed by the company.

Addressing the media, Union Leader Rane said, “We are forced to take this drastic step as the workforce in this company is being exploited by management for past two decades.” 

He said that they employees had even complained to the local MLA about problems and even the government knows about the harassment and exploitation. 

“There are around sixty permanent employees who have served the company for at least thirty years; but they are being harassed and their charter of demands is ignored. Despite being a huge international company, it is paying a salary of just Rs 24000 to these sixty employees,” he said.