Steel minister commends SAIL on 94% attendance on Sep 2 strike

Steel Minister Chaudhary Birendra Singh on Friday commended employees of state-run SAIL on clocking 94 per cent attendance on a day when central trade unions called one-day nationwide strike, in which workers from public sector undertakings such as Coal India participated.

"SAIL, the leading steel producer in the country, with more than 80,000 employees in different parts of the country registered overall attendance of 94 per cent," the country's largest steel maker said. Proactive awareness drive and concerted action lead to normal operations on the day of all India general strike in SAIL and other PSUs under the Steel Ministry, it added. 

"Singh has congratulated employees for their commitment and dedication to work. Challenging times call for united efforts and steel workers have demonstrated that their first priority is work and service to the employer and the nation," the statement quoting the minister said. He urged the employees to continue working with the same spirit and enthusiasm in the times to come. While reviewing the situation in discussions with the PSU's top officials, Singh highlighted the recent measures taken by the Centre for the welfare of workers and worker unions. These include raising minimum wages, ensuring strict compliance of labour laws and registration of trade union in 45 days, the statement said.