PANJIM: The strike called by a section of the Corporation of the City of Panaji employees was called off by Thursday afternoon, but not before a strong posse of policemen were called in to clear the entrances to allow CCP officials to enter. Similarly, there were a few hiccups caused for garbage clearance especially in the municipal market area.
The strike call was called to demand the reinstatement of five persons who were struck off the rolls.
“The strike was called off by around 2.30 pm,” deputy chief officer Kerkar of the CCP told media, adding that an amicable solution was found.
Thursday morning around 50-100 workers gathered at the entrance of the CCP building and did not allow the officials to enter. However, the police were called in and the situation was brought under control within a short time.
CCP employs around 600 workers, including 300 regulars and the balance are casual labour. CCP officials admitted that services were indeed affected to a small extent. It is reported that after the demand of the union, commissioner Sanjith Rodrigues had sent resumption orders to the five workers, but only one had joined back while the other four were reluctant.
Meanwhile, Mayor Surendra Furtado in a letter to the director of municipal administration said that in case the employees resort to a strike as it is Ganesh Chaturthi Friday, the cleanliness of the city may be affected.
“Since the commissioner is not in office, you are requested to please take appropriate measures in this regard…. And the Mayor or the Corporation may not be held responsible for any inconvenience caused to the citizens of Panjim city …,” Furtado’s letter stated.
He complained that the commissioner had not responded to his queries and had not been attending office from August 23.
