IPCL staff call off relay fast

The management of Indian Petrochemicals Corp (IPCL) and employees on Wednesday chalked out a compromise formula, ending a two-day protest relay fast by the employees.

The situation changed on Tuesday evening when the number of workers opting for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) reached nearly 2,400. Around 5,600 workers in Vadodara were opposing mass transfers following the decision to merge IPCL into Reliance Industries.

It was learnt that IPCL management decided to give away Rs 1.5 lakh extra to employees opting for VRS. A member of the joint action committee, formed by all three labour unions, said that they have stopped their protest programme with immediate effect. “We have reached an understanding that the management will issue transfer orders only after taking us in confidence,” he added.