Drivers’ stir hits coal production in Angul district

Talcher coalfield in Angul district on Monday remained shut down due to cease work strike by private truck drivers and helpers engaged in the coal mining works.

TALCHER: Talcher coalfield in Angul district on Monday remained shut down due to cease work strike by private truck drivers and helpers engaged in the coal mining works.

According to sources, around 15,000 workers engaged in transportation work resorted to strike on Monday paralysing coal production and dispatch in all eight mines. They have been protesting non-reinstatement of 131 workers who lost their jobs in 2013 at an MCL railway siding. Demanding their immediate engagement, they went on strike, said a coal official.

Director (Personnel) of MCL LN Mishra, who rushed to the spot, said the MCL never committed to providing employment to these workers in any private contract agency. The strike has no valid ground, he added.

Talcher SDPO HK Panda said six platoons of armed police have been deployed in coalfield area to maintain law and order.

Public Relations Officer of MCL Dikken Mehra said the company incurred a loss of whopping 1.64 lakh tonne of coal production in Talcher on Monday due to strike.