BSL workers to strike on Oct 19 over ‘poor’ bonus

Bokaro: BSL workers, under the banner of BSL Anidhashi Karamchari Union (BAKS), have announced a strike on Oct 19, demanding higher bonuses and other benefits. The workers are dissatisfied with the Rs 26,000 bonus announced by SAIL for BSL employees, which, they claim, is significantly lower than what employees at other companies like Tata Steel and NALCO get.On Sept 28, the workers held a torch procession in front of BSL headquarter, Ispat Bhawan, demanding "production-related pay" and other benefits. In response to the already protesting employees, BSL management issued show-cause notices to 50 workers on October 10, accusing them of violating company rules by demonstrating in a restricted area. The workers have been given 48 hours to respond, and failure to provide a satisfactory explanation may result in disciplinary action. tnn