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Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI, September 23: The proposed three-day mass casual leave agitation of the Municipal Mazdoor Union MMU on the bonus issue was called off late this evening following assurances given to the union for a favourable settlement of their demands by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC.However, a final decision on the contentious issue was yet to be reached by the group leaders. According to mayor Vishakha Raut BMC had decided to give a bonus amounting to Rs 345 crore to the workers, and any increase in this amount would be made only after a joint meeting of the group leaders with union leaders.
MMU leader Sharad Rao seemed quite pleased with the outcome of today8217;s meeting. Rao said he had 8220;definite information8221; that the BMC would finally agree to pay at least Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 more to every worker.
8220;In fact, we had planned this move well in advance as we knew of the political game being played by the Shiv Sena. The mayor was ordered by Bal Thackeray not to hold any meeting with the BMC workers8230;the Sena was hell bent on seeing that the unity of the workers was broken,8221; Rao alleged, adding that it was only the massive morcha that had compelled the mayor to go against Thackeray8217;s diktat.
8220;The core committee members were assured by the mayor yesterday of an early settlement by this morning, but again the Sena tried to play smart. The meeting was postponed and was finally held only at 7.30 pm,8221; he said.He pointed out that the agitation threat had also succeeded in bringing to light several other issues like phasing out of contract labour, land for housing for civic employees, their free travel on BEST buses etc. 8220;Even the long-standing issue of job evaluation is likely to be resolved by December, 1997,8221; Rao said.
Minutes earlier, the leaders of the core committee including Rao, RPI leader Prakash Ambedkar led by Samata Party MP George Fernandes addressed a massive morcha at the BMC head quarters.
