Keralamonitor Photo. Some vested interests are trying to propagate that the news report about Elco strike was artificial creation of Keralamonitor.com We are publishing this photograph, which shows the Malayali workers in front of Elco, Ghala, Oman.We are proud that the Workers have appreciated Keralamonitor.com which has raised their issue in the media. While the Indian community organisations are busy with their own priorities, two ordinary Malayali community members have shown keen interest in supporting the workers cause. Even though the workers approached a leading linguisting wing of the Indian Social Club for help, they expressed their helplessness in the matter. It is yet another achievement for the portal, which has a long way to go.
What is the relavance of organisations, which cannot handle such issues?
Feb 8, 2002 Keralamonitor.com
Dispute between labour contractor and Malayali officials caused the problem Is the problem of Indian Workers the artificial creation of a few leading Malayali officials? It is alleged that the labour contractor has been hand in glove with the senior Malayali officials who used to take a share of the contract and recruitment money. The subcontractor has been facing difficulty in clearing his bills from the accounts department of Elco Industries because two senior Malayali officials have been sitting on his claims due to unknown reasons. "They take commission for clearing every bill send to the company by the subcontractor. Apparently, there is some dispute between the two parties, which created the delay in making payment,' said sources. It is learned that this pattern is common in many companies which employ large number of expatriate workers. Often the senior expatriate managers take a share of the booty from the labour contractor who has to keep them happy.
Meanwhile, one Malayali Secretary who was brought to work as a Secretary could not go back to India because the Immigration Authorities in the Seeb International Airport asked him to remit RO 12000 in lieu of the fine for overstaying without valid visa. He had already send his luggage, but the Immigration authorities stopped him. Now he is back to the company, awaiting the management to pay his fine.
The company has also beefed up security in the premises and visitors are allowed only after scrutiny. The workers, who were paid one month salary, are asked to stop their Dharna in front of the head office. Some marathon meetings have also started to settle the matter, which has affected the company's image. Fifty workers have submitted a memorandum to the Non Resident Keralites Affairs minister M.M.Hassan. They want early repatriation to India after settling their claims.