APMU issues ultimatum to oil Cos, ministry

GUWAHATI: Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) has set 15-day deadline for oil companies and the petroleum ministry to respond to their demand or they will go for a series of agitations, paralysing the operation of petrol pumps throughout the North East.

APMU, which represents workers in oil and gas tankers, petrol pumps and gas agencies, went on strike on Monday. According to the organisation, the intake of oil and gas from 26 takeoff points across the region was hit by the strike.

However, APMU exempted petrol pumps from the ambit of the strike. APMU president Munin Mahanta told ET: "In 2006, we submitted a memorandum to the ministry of petroleum whereby we demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 10,000, pension, provident fund and gratuity." APMU has about 50,000 people in its ranks.

It has also demanded proper security along the highways and adequate compensation to transport workers who have fallen to insurgents��� bullets. Recently, two workers were killed in Manipur.

Mr Mahanta further said: "The union has served prior notice to the authorities before going to strike. We are ready for negotiation. However, if oil companies and government fail to take a decision, we will go for fresh strike after 15 days and also include petrol pumps in our strike."