When CITU put CPI(M) in a spot

The CPI(M)-controlled Peruvemba grama panchayat authorities here found themselves in a spot on Friday after the workers affiliated to the party’s trade union wing CITU refused to offload 110 cots from a truck demanding exorbitant charges. The cots were to be distributed to senior citizens.

The trouble began when the truck carrying the cots from an industrial unit at Cherpulassery reached the panchayat office premises at Peruvemba. CITU workers said they would offload the cots only if they were paid ₹100 a cot. When told that the panchayat did not have that much funds, the workers said they would not allow offloading by others.

After several rounds of talks the workers agreed to reduce the charges to ₹50 a cot. The issue was resolved following the intervention of CPI(M) leaders who asked the workers to offload the cots at ₹40 a piece.