New Delhi:
After months of ordeal, most of the Indian workers employed at a cement plant in Sumbe in Angola have been paid part of their pending dues while arrangements have been made for repatriation of those who want to return to India.
The redressal of grievances of around 1,100 Indian workers by Angolan authorities came a day after External Affairs Minister SM Krishna spoke to his Angolan counterpart Georges Chickoty asking him address the issue.
"All outstanding overtime dues for February, 2012 have been paid in US dollars to all the workers present. Outstanding overtime dues for March, 2012, will be disbursed in US dollars on May 23 and 24. As of today, more than 700 Indian workers have reported for duty," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
He said penalty imposed on 22 workers in custody have been paid following Mr Krishna's discussions with Mr Chickoty and the subsequent discussions that the management of the cement company had with Angolan authorities.
"Following the External Affairs Minister SM Krishna's discussions with his Angolan counterpart Georges Chickoty yesterday and the subsequent discussions that the management of the company had with Angolan authorities, they have paid the penalty imposed on the 22 workers in custody to the relevant Angolan (authority)," Mr Akbaruddin said.
He said compensation of US $ 40,000 imposed on the arrested workers has been waived by Angolan authorities and management of the company was making arrangements for return of the workers who want to come back to India.