PANJIM: Sesa Goa, a subsidy of Vedanta Resources, on Thursday revoked the suspension order of its Bicholim iron ore mine, operations of which were suspended a month ago following a threat by the labour union.
Sesa Mining Employees Union, that on November 14 held a rally in Panjim, has decided not to resume duties till their charter of demands is passed by Sesa Mining Corporation Limited.
“Vedanta Sesa Goa Iron Ore revoked the suspension order in the Bicholim mines with immediate effect. The management took the decision after employees appealed to resume work,” a release issued by the company stated. An official spokesperson for the company said, “We decided to revoke the suspension of operations after several requests were made from various quarters: employees, villagers, transporters and contractors who are dependent on mining for their livelihood. The management sincerely hopes that wise counsel will prevail on the employees/workmen and normal operations will continue.”
Union members have decided to continue with their protest. “The major issue was regarding recognition of a union leader. That issue has not been fulfilled so the workers will not join duty. The company had illegally suspended the operations in mid-October at Bicholim mines which they have now revoked. They have not done any favour to the workers,” Ajitsingh Rane, Union leader said. Operations at the mine were suspended on October 13 in the interest of safety and security of the employees, after over 300 workers went on a sudden protest.
