NEW DELHI, June 19 (UNI) Petrol pumps in the Capital, along with those all over the country, will down their shutters from midnight today to protest 'non-implementation' of the accord signed between them and the government nearly four years back.
Petroleum dealers have also threatened to go on an indefinite strike from July 18 if the government fails to implement the accord and enhance their commission from the prevailing 1.59 per cent to 5.0 per cent by then.
The 'accord' is actually the point of discord which has forced us to go on a day's strike, as a sign of protest, for not implementing the terms and conditions reached in August 2001, said Delhi Petrol Dealers Association president Saran Sarna.
"If today's one-day 'token strike' fails to move the government we'll be going on an indefinite strike from the 18th of next month to force the government to respect the pact it made with us," he said.
Today's strike is a warning call on our two-point demand the 'non-implementation' of the deal from which the government was backtracking and the increase in commission percentage from present 1.59 per cent to 5.0 per cent.
Besides, being forced to bear with the unjust moves of the government like exorbitant fines of Rs 10,000 for unclean toilets and faulty air gauge we have taken the extreme step, he said.
"We just want the government to honour its word on the accord.
Regarding increasing commission we can give it a grace period of few months but at least the move should be made," said Sarna.
Denying that there was any 'lack of unity' in the nationwide call for keeping petrol pumps close to press on their demands, Sarna said there is total unity among all petrol dealers from all states.
We are in constant touch and are working in unison, he added.
