Nalco regulates power to plant

ANGUL: With the strike of contractual workers entering the sixth day on Monday, the Nalco management began regulating power supply to the operating aluminium-producing pots in the smelter plant since evening. The power regulation will impact aluminium production.“We managed the two plants for six days but it is impossible to carry on for long with nearly 5,000 workers on strike.  The power supply to 804 running pots is being regulated as a precaution. If the strike continues, we will be forced to close the pots one after the other,” said a Nalco official.The stalemate between the Nalco management and striking contractual workers continued with the State Government remaining a mute spectator.Talks will be held between the Central Chief Labour Commissioner, the Nalco management and the contractual workers on Tuesday to resolve the issue. The contractual workers have been on strike since November 16 at the four production units in Angul and Damanjodi demanding a hike in their minimum wage to Rs 10,400 on par with that of the regular employees.