Coalmine workers threaten strike from June 13

The miners of Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Ltd (BCMCL) in Parbatipur upazila of the district have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from June 13 if their five -point demand is not met by tomorrow.
The miners gave the ultimatum through a memorandum submitted to the managing director [MD] of Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Ltd on Sunday.
The demands are regularisation of jobs of 147 workers engaged in underground and surface mining operations, appointment of a full-time doctor for the workers, disbursement of profit bonus for 2011 and 2012, introduction of life insurance scheme and food rationing for the miners.
Wazed Ali Sarkar, president of BCMCL Workers' Union, said they have been agitating for long to realise the five-point demand, including reguralisation of jobs of 147 workers, who are engaged in mining operations, risking their lives.
“We have given a 72-hour deadline to meet our demands. If the demands are not met within the deadline, we will start an indefinite strike on June 13,” Wazed said, adding that the BCMCL authorities will be responsible if any untoward incident happens during the strike.
On May 17, the miners issued a 13-day ultimatum to BCMCL authorities to meet their five-point demand and threatened an indefinite strike from May 31 if the demands were not met by the deadline.
They postponed the programme until June 8 as BCMCL authorities assured them of giving a positive response by this time.
“Since the authorities concerned didn't pay heed to our demands by June 8, we have given a fresh deadline until June 12.” the miners said.