The Hindu Business Line : Unions stage dharna in front of HSL

THE UNIONS at Hindusthan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) here staged a demonstration in front of its main gates on Wednesday and held a public meeting, pleading for the protection and revival of the yard and seeking an end to "the interference of the Chennai-based Goodearth Maritime Ltd in its affairs."

The union leaders condemned the "covert attempts of the Union Government" to privatise HSL instead of providing the requisite working capital and approving the revival package. HSL, they contended, had plenty of work orders on hand and also the expertise to execute them. The financial muscle was only lacking.

They condemned what they described as the interference of Goodearth Maritime in the affairs of HSL. Though Goodearth Maritime had placed orders with HSL for four ships of 30,000 DWT and six of 52,000 DWT, it did not have the right to interfere in the functioning of the yard.

They also demanded payment of wage arrears, promotions at various levels and payment of allowances.