Striking BHEL welders seek Collector’s help

Thiruchirapalli

According to the BHEL Welders Association president Syed Tajuddeen Madani, they have been on strike since October 1 demanding better treatment of the welders at BHEL. He said that the welders were toiling under extremely hazardous conditions like being near furnaces at temperature 400-500 degree Celsius. But, they were not properly compensated for it.

“Welders are working at high temperature locations for more than 36 months and the allowance for such works should have been added to their basic pay according to the BHEL’s manual. But, the welders are yet to get it. Also, the allowance rate should have been increased over the years and it should have been at 30 per cent, but they are being paid only a paltry 3 per cent,” he complained.

Meanwhile, the workers said that the protective gear provided to them, like respirators, were of low quality and posed health risks. One among the issues was pending promotions. According to Madani, “Nearly, 1,050 welders are with the BHEL in Tiruchy and of these 950, who are in BHEL Welders’ Association are on strike since October 1. Instead of fulfilling the demands, the authorities have suspended 9 employees and transferred 14 others. Left with no other option, we have approached the Collector for his intervention.”

The welders submitted a petition to the Collector listing their grievances and seeking his intervention.