Century mill workers' 656-day-old struggle continues: Demand to control unit

By A Representative
The Shramik Janata Sangh (SJS), led by top Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar, claiming to be representing the 1,000-odd workers of the Century Mills, closed since October 17, 2017, has said that the mill owners have been eyeing on selling its assets, which are worth Rs 2.5 billion, adding, the workers' struggle to reopen the mill and run it under their control would continue.
Pointing out that the continuation of the 656-day satyagraha and the 388-day relay fast suggest that the workers are in no mood to take voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) suggested by the five registered trade unions in alliance with the management, SJS said, these unions represent not more than 10% of the mill workforce, and majority of workers are fighting for their right to employment.
According to SJS, "Thanks to a Madhya Pradesh High Court order, Century workers are getting salary every month%. It added, "They are struggling for employment. The Madhya Pradesh High Court in its February 6, 2019 order has said that the mills should be transferred to the workers, yet the management is disregarding it."

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