Cuddalore 12 June 2006: All the effluent collection stations of CUSECS in SIPCOT Cuddalore were shut down today by the workers who were demanding compensation for the death of
their co-worker. 33 year old Kathavarayan, a worker in CUSECS IV in SIPCOT Cuddalore died of leukemia yesterday evening.
The CUSECS worker suspect that the disease was caused because of unsafe working conditions in CUSECS and that the company should adequately compensate the family of the deceased. The striking workers also demanded better working conditions and safety gears for their protection.
The workers went on strike today morning at 9:30 am, in the meanwhile all the industries have been operating in full swing and thus the effluent in the CUSECS pump houses have started to overflow as the pumping stations are not working. According to SACEM monitors who are on the spot at present the effluent is overflowing into the river from CUSECS no III and CUSECS no VI. The pollution control board has been informed and further action is awaited.