-- Samir Umarye
PANJIM: Following a threat by over 350 workers, including those employed at an iron ore mining site, Sesa Goa, a subsidy of Vedanta Resources, on Thursday suspended mining operations at Sesa Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL) Bicholim site. The company also warned protesting workers not to indulge in any violence, threats and illegal activities failing which criminal action would be initiated against those involved in such acts. The decision comes in the wake of a protest by over 350 workers, who on October 12 threatened the company management of dire consequences. “Everything started on October 11, when a group of 14 people entered company’s top office located within Bicholim mining site and stopped the contract labourers engaged by the company,” says a statement by Sesa. “Thereafter they threatened all the office staff employees and senior management personnel with dire consequences,” a company official stated. On October 12, the group of 14, along with 350-odd workers, including those deployed for duty at the site, gathered at the main gate of the site but did not report for duty. “The entire act on the part of these workmen, along with their supporters, is a clear violation of the law. The threats of bodily harm given to the management staff clearly shows that the workers are not interested in doing any work,” the official stated. The company, in the interest of safety and security of its employees, has decided to suspend operations at SMCL Bicholim mine from Thursday. “The suspension of operation is for all employees of SMCL and shall continue in force until further notice. All the protesting workmen are advised not to report to work and hence they would not be entitled for any wages from the date of suspension of operations,” the official said. The official said that steps taken by the workers are illegal considering that the management has ensured all support to its employees.