TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The claim of labour unions that over 65 percent of workers were laid off during the mining ban has been countered by the mining companies, who have informed the State government that not a single employee was laid off or retrenched during the 18-month ban period, which was finally lifted on April 21, 2014.
Over 20 mining companies including bigwigs like Sesa Sterlite, Chowgule and V M Salgaocar have informed the Directorate of Mines and Geology that the workers were paid their full salaries for the months prior to the ban on October 5, 2012 and 50 per cent wages during the ban period.
Following Supreme Court direction to pay 50 per cent wages to all workers who were out of work due to the mining ban, DMG had sought detailed information from over 80 mining firms by May 7. The department has so far received 20 replies.
“The companies in their reply said that they have neither laid off nor retrenched any worker working in mining and related activities. 50 percent wages have been paid to workers during the ban period,” A senior mines department official revealed.
According to All India Trade Union Congress, nearly 65 per cent employees working on contract basis with the mining companies were laid off following court order. The employees include even drivers and cleaners working on trucks.
In the recent judgment passed by the apex court, the State government has been directed to pay 50 percent wages and dearness allowance to the workers who were laid off from revenue generated through e-auction. Government is expected to earn around Rs 1,500 crore from e-auction of 15 million metric tons of ore.
SC has pointed out that under Section 25C of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, when a workman whose name is registered on the muster rolls of an industrial establishment and who has completed not less than one year of continuous service under an employer is laid-off he is entitled to be paid for all the days for which he is laid-off.
