Cease work strike threat: Negotiation on
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 16 2017:
Hectic negotiation has been going on regarding the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association decision to cease transportation of fuel to the State and distribution of fuel from Malom depot to oil pumps from Saturday.
It is reported that the cease work strike has been postponed by some days.
If the transporters go ahead with the cease work strike, the annual Manipur Sangai Festival which will begin from November 21 would be seriously affected.
On the other hand, there are around 100 tanker trucks of oil dealers which are engaged in transporting fuel from outside the State and distribution of fuel from Malom depot to retail outlets.
It is not clear whether these 100 trucks are under the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association or not.
It is unlikely that these trucks would join the strike even if the association undertakes cease work strike.
The current contract between IOC and Imphal-based POL transporters expires on November 30 .
Tender notice for engagement of transporters anew was issued on November 10.Tender bids should be submitted between November 23 and December 4 .
The new tender notice offered transportation charges below the rate applied in 2013-14 .
Taking strong exception to the reduced transportation charges and terms and conditions of the tender, the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters ' Association threatened to launch cease work strike from Saturday but it has been postponed by some days.
According to a key official of the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association, they held a meeting with the CAF&PD Commissioner this afternoon.
During the meeting it was agreed that the association's representatives would take part in a pre-bid which would be held at the office of North East Integrated Sales Office, Guwahati on November 20 and they may raise their grievances.
If the authorities concerned do not give a concrete assurance by November 22 to address their grievances, the association would launch cease work strike from November 23, said the functionary.
Meanwhile, the contract between IOC and Imphal-based fuel transporters which expires on November 30 has been extended till February 28 next year and the association has no grudge against the extension.