Arco Cements Employees Strike Over Wage Revision, Workers’ Welfare
Pulwama, July 16, KNT: Employees of Arco Cements at Khrew in Pulwama district on Thursday went on strike, demanding a fair revision of wages, improved welfare measures and the reinstatement of former Union President Nazir Ahmad Wani.
Holding placards and raising slogans outside the cement plant, the employees alleged that despite contributing to the company’s growth, they had not received any meaningful salary revision over the past two years.
The protesting workers said reports suggesting a proposed increase of only ₹500 were disappointing and inadequate in view of the rising cost of living and persistent inflation.
They demanded a wage hike commensurate with prevailing economic conditions, timely implementation of employee welfare benefits and protection of workers’ rights through effective and genuine representation.
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The employees while talking to the news agency Kashmir News Trust also sought the reinstatement of former Union President Nazir Ahmad Wani with full dignity and consequential benefits, describing him as a long-serving employee who consistently worked for the welfare of the workforce.
The protesters maintained that their agitation was peaceful and conducted within the framework of law, asserting that their objective was to secure justice, dignity and equitable treatment rather than confrontation.
Appealing for official intervention, the employees urged the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Assistant Labour Commissioner Pulwama, MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi and other concerned authorities to facilitate dialogue between the management and the workers to ensure an early and amicable resolution of the dispute. [KNT]
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