50 fisherfolk to join work at shipbuilding yard today

After withdrawing their week-long strike, the first batch of 50 fisherfolk belonging to Light House Kuppam panchayat in Pulicat, will be joining work as unskilled labourers on a contract basis from Wednesday, at a private shipbuilding yard cum port.

Environment Minister B.V. Ramana, who is in-charge of the Tiruvallur district, convinced the fisherfolk who had been on strike for over a week recently. They were demanding jobs, as their livelihood has been affected due to developmental work in the area.

Mr. Ramana told The Hindu that as and when job opportunities came up in the companies, the fishermen would be considered. “Several people including the Tiruvallur Collector, 14 village heads and I sat and convinced them that the Chief Minister has their interests at heart,” he added.

Next week, a meeting of companies and fisherfolk will be convened by the Industries Secretary.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article3423890.ece