FCI union threatens to go on indefinite strike from June 29

A section of Food Corporation of India (FCI) employees on Tuesday threatened to go on an indefinite strike from June 29 to press for their demands such as pension and other facilities for class III and IV staff.

Protesting at the FCI's headquarters here, the Bhartiya Khadya Nigam Karamchari (BKNK) Sangh today said if the approval and implementation of their legitimate demands would further be delayed, the union has no other option but to go on an indefinite strike from June 29.

The employees from seven states including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Uttrakhand among others demonstrated at the FCI's headquarters here to register their protest, the union said in a statement.

Addressing the gathering, BKNK Sangh President JS Duggal expressed deep resentment over "the negative attitude of the management and government in approval and implementation of settled demands despite making all efforts.." the statement quoted Duggal.

The employees are demanding parity in payment of fringe benefits on cafeteria approach to category II and IV employees at par with the category II and I, implementation of pension, formulation of compassionate appointment policy, shortage of staff and provision of departmental examination for their promotion among other facilities.

The Food Ministry had agreed to settle these demands years before but the implementation is still awaited, it said.

FCI is the nodal agency involved in procurement and distribution of foodgrains.