Synthite strike settled at a meeting of management and workers' representatives

The workers' strike at the Kadayiruppu plant of the spice company Synthite Industries in Kolenchery, which had gone on for 10 days over the transfer of workers, has been settled. The strike ended at a conciliation meeting of management representatives and representatives of the Synthite Industries Employees Union (CITU), called at the Labour Commissionerate and chaired by Labour Commissioner A Alexander.

Both sides agreed that of the 17 workers transferred to the Coimbatore unit, the transfers of three would be cancelled and four others brought back to the parent unit within four months. It was also agreed that the remaining 10 would be brought back to the parent unit within a year and a half, or against retirement vacancies arising before then. Of the 10 workers facing suspension, the suspension of two will continue for a month, and the others' suspensions will be withdrawn as their replies are received. Domestic inquiry proceedings will continue. All workers transferred so far will have the right to vote in the referendum. The meeting also decided to provide food and free accommodation to all transferred workers.

Ernakulam Regional Joint Labour Commissioner K Sreelal, Deputy Labour Commissioner Vinodkumar, Synthite management representatives Aju Jacob, John Joshy, Vincent Alex and Vineeth P Mathew, union leaders K Chandran Pillai and K N Gopinath, and Adv. K S Arunkumar, M K Manoj, Nitheesh Baby, Jibin Joy and K N Krishnakumar representing the union took part in the settlement talks.