India: ACC labourers end protest at Wadi plant

Labourers at ACC’s Wadi plant have ended their dharma (non-violent sit-in protest) following assurances from the company that their concerns and grievances will be addressed.

Chandrasekhar Hiremath, president of Shramajeevigala Vedike (civil rights association), alleged at a meeting attended by ACC HR General Manager, Mr Jayaprakash, that the company ‘harassed’ the labourers and paid them wages in the range of INR200-250 (US$2.99-3.74), which is significantly lower that a daily wage of INR500 (US$7.49) set by the Cement Wage Board.

Mr Hiremath said that ACC has agreed to attend the next tripartite meeting in an attempt to find a solution to the labourers’ concerns.