Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
In support of the ongoing strike and hunger strike of Dolphin Company workers in SIDCUL of Pantnagar industrial area in district US Nagar, several social organizations held a sit-in outside the Labor Office in Haldwani of district Nainital on Thursday. The organizations submitted a memorandum to the administration, demanding immediate intervention in alleged labor law violations at the company.
The protest by Dolphin Company workers, which began in August, started as a call to address labor law violations and convert temporary workers to permanent status. With little progress, the protest escalated into a hunger strike on October 21. According to Veeru Singh, General Secretary of the Labor Organization, “The company is openly violating labor laws.” Vice President Sunita added, “Workers are being denied bonuses and are facing continuous harassment.”
Four workers and activists were recently charged under the Goonda Act by the administration, a move seen by many as an attempt to demoralize the workers. Despite this, six workers, including four women, have continued their hunger strike. The condition of several protesters, including Rajni Gangwar, Pinky Gangwar, Preeti, and Mithlesh, has become critical, requiring hospital admission, though their health remains precarious. Lalit Kumar and Akash Kumar continue their strike.
Various organizations, including Pragatisheel Mahila Ekta Kendra, Inquilabi Mazdoor Kendra, and CPI-ML, participated in the protest, demanding the administration take prompt action. The organizations warned that if workers are not granted justice soon, they will escalate the movement.
