GUWAHATI: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Assam State Committee, has expressed deep grief over the deaths of six workers in a fire at Oil India Limited's Intermediate Tank Farm (ITF) in Tengakhat, near Duliajan in Dibrugarh district. It has demanded an independent inquiry and a safety audit of all Oil India installations.
The union said the inquiry report should be made public and that officials, authorities or contractor firms found guilty of negligence or safety violations should face strict legal and administrative action. It also sought adequate compensation and a permanent job for one member of each victim's family.
The union further said one-time aid should not end the company's responsibility. It further demanded full treatment for the injured at the company's expense, along with insurance, wages, PF, ESI and other benefits for the dead and injured and their families.
The union also called for proper safety equipment, training, emergency rescue arrangements and healthcare for both permanent and contract workers. It asked that work permit, isolation and safety protocols be strictly followed during maintenance. It demanded that the company publish the number of permanent and contract workers and data on past accidents, deaths and injuries, and form a strong safety committee that includes worker representatives.
The union said it will launch a statewide movement against Oil India if its demands are not met.
