New pact to resolve industrial relations

ANGUL: For the peaceful resolution of all industrial disputes, including problems arising out of death of contract labourers on duty, a Tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed among the contractual agencies, all contract labour unions of NTPC-Kaniha and the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) recently.It was signed by Mahesh Pani of NTPC Shramik Sangha, Jayasen Meher and Prahallad Sahoo of Talcher Super Thermal Workers Union, Bibhudhendu Pradhan of NTPC Thika Mazdoor Sangha and Aren Pani of NTPC Mazdoor Sabha.As per the settlement, in the event of accidental death of any contract worker on duty, the legal heir of the deceased would be paid an ex gratia of ` 3.75 lakh and funeral expenses of ` 25,000. Further, the ex gratia would increase by ` 20,000 every year from April 2013. This apart, one family member of the deceased shall be engaged by the contractual agency concerned.Another significant decision made was that every contract employee working in the plant will have to contribute ` 25 for maintenance of the family of the deceased which shall be deducted from their monthly wages, a release issued by the NTPC stated.