Dahegaon kyanite mine workers still owed dues after 23 years; they threaten a hunger strike from November 26

Bhandara: Workers of the Dahegaon kyanite mine, which comes under the Maharashtra Mineral Corporation, say their unpaid wages, allowances and gratuity have been pending for more than two decades, Navbharat reported. The money has not been paid in full despite a clear labour court order.

The labour court in Bhandara ruled in the workers' favour on March 10, 2003, directing that the full dues be recovered with interest from the company's movable and immovable property, or from those legally responsible, and paid to the workers. Twenty-three years on, the order has still not been carried out, the workers say. They have written countless letters and followed up with ministers and officials over the past two decades but have received only assurances, they add.

In a warning letter to the administration, the workers have demanded that the labour court order be implemented at once, that all their wages, allowances and gratuity be paid with interest, and that the properties of the Maharashtra Mineral Corporation and the Dahegaon kyanite mine be attached under the law.

If no satisfactory action is taken by November 26, the elderly workers say they will begin an indefinite fast unto death outside the Lakhandur tahsil office on Constitution Day, and that the administration and the government will be responsible if any worker's health suffers. The administration's response was not part of the report.

Source: Navbharat