Tanker lorry workers on strike

KOCHI: Demanding a wage revision, the diesel and petrol tanker lorry workers serving the Indian Oil Corporation’s Irumpanam Terminal launched a 48-hour strike on Sunday.The strike, demanding a 2 per cent hike for drivers and 1 per cent for cleaners, is being organised under the leadership of the Tanker Lorry Workers Union (CITU).“In 2009, we had issued a notice for strike. That time, we were told that the issue would be solved soon. But so far, the owners did not take any positive step towards our demand. This prompted us to launch a 48-hour strike as token,” said a leader of the union.At present, a driver gets 10 per cent of the total rent amount for the lorry and a cleaner 5 per cent. The demand is to enhance this to 12 and 6 per cent respectively. They have also demanded granting of Rs 6,000 and Rs 3,000 for drivers and cleaners respectively, by way of other allowances. According to workers, the lorry owners have not yet accepted their demands. As many as 450 tankers serve IOC’s Irumpanam Terminal in two shifts. “If the demands are not accepted, we will launch an indefinite strike,” the workers stated.