Metro workers withdraw strike

Kochi: Trade union workers at the metro casting yard at Eloor withdrew their two-day old strike on Wednesday evening after contractor ‘Soma Constructions’ agreed to increase their strength but on the condition that the productivity should be enhanced.

A section of workers affiliated to regional trade unions called a flash strike on Monday night after the company reduced the number of trade union workers at the site from the earlier 56 to 36. “A resolution was arrived at after discussions carried out by representatives of both parties. The construction activities will resume from Wednesday night. We have given them a target, say one girder every five days,’ sources said.

The trade union workers had earlier locked the office site preventing carrying of the ‘U’ girders at the Kadavanthra-Vytilla section. “We cut down their numbers since our work is nearing completion. About 100 workers are already there at the work site," sources said.