Tension over TTPS workers strike

TALCHER: Contractual workers of the Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS) have been on a dharna for the last three days in front of the plant gate protesting ‘raw deal’ by the management.They are demanding action against CISF authorities who sprayed water on them on Friday while they were staging a demonstration in front of the plant gate. Power generation has not been hit by the cease work though, an official said.Tension started on April 19 when a motorcycle of a worker was stolen from the plant gate as contractual workers are not allowed to take their vehicles inside the plant like regular workers. When the casual workers demanded sheds and proper safety for their vehicles, CISF sprayed water from the fire tenders to disburse them.This infuriated the workers who described the act as illegal. They also accused TTPS management of meting out step-motherly attitude to them by using force to suppress their legitimate demand.A case against the CISF has been lodged in Colliery police station. Plant management sources said CISF had to take action to open the gate for the employees.