An amicable solution to the stand-off between the traders and the headload workers at Kothuval Street in Chalai market over the wage hike of headload workers was reached here on Monday. It was agreed that the hike would come into effect from May 10.
The agreement was reached in a meeting convened by the Labour Welfare Board which was attended by CITU leader Mohanan, INTUC leader Ulloor Murali, Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Kothuval Street unit president Kalady Aji and vice-president Mohammed Siddique.
In the discussion, it was also decided that Kothuval Street in Chalai would be considered separately when revision of wages is implemented. ‘’Apart from the other areas of Chalai market, everything related to the traders and headload workers in Kothuval Street will be taken up separately,’’ said Siddique.
He also said that the traders had incurred a heavy loss during the last three days and many of the trucks that had come from Tamil Nadu had returned. ‘’But now, everything is getting back to normal and business is picking up. The trucks have again started their trips to the city,’’ he said.
The issue at Kothuval Street began on May 2 after a group of headload workers resorted to a flash strike, alleging non-implementation of the hiked wages. The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Kothuval Street unit, had threatened to intensify its agitation if the talks failed.
Though a discussion was held between the traders and the headload workers on Saturday, both of them could not come to an understanding. The traders downed shutters after the headload workers did not heed to the instructions of the Labour Board official who had informed that the status quo on the wages should continue till a consensus was reached. The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, Kothuval Street unit had earlier said that the issue of wage hike was not all discussed in any forum and they came to know about it only after the headload workers demanded the revised wages.