Cracker unit workers seek nod to function with curbs

Fireworks industry workers have renewed their plea to the state government to relax lockdown restrictions for fireworks units in the district and protect the livelihood of nearly eight lakh people directly and indirectly employed in them.

All the fireworks units in the district, the hub of the industry, have been closed since May 10. P Vadivelu, 54, a resident of Vishwanatham village near Sivakasi, said the units were closed for several months last year while this year they have been shut for the past 30 days. Employees have been facing difficulties in meeting their daily needs. He said the government could permit fireworks units to function with 50% employees by imposing strict conditions on following Covid-19 protocol, just as it permitted safety match units to operate.

Another employee, T , 36, a resident of Vetrilaiurani village near Sattur, said they are unable to look for alternate employment though some employees have started to work in scheme. “Last year, fireworks manufacturers distributed rice and other essential commodities to workers. But, due to loss of business for the second consecutive year, no such relief was provided this year,” he said.

CITU district secretary P N Deva said that the state government had provided monetary aid and essential commodities to all across the state last year. This apart, Rs 1,000 was also distributed to employees of fireworks and safety matches industry, but no such relief came this year. Apart from allowing fireworks units to work with certain restrictions, workers should be given monetary aid for the closed period, he said. A representation was submitted in this regard to the district administration recently on behalf of Fireworks and Matches Workers Association affiliated to CITU, he added.

MP B Manickam Tagore has also urged the government to permit the functioning of fireworks units taking into account the declining Covid-19 cases in the district.

Source: The Times of India