Indian workers paid dues, Angola

Following a month-long dispute, most of Indian workers employed at a cement plant in Sumbe in Angola have been paid part of their pending dues while arrangements made for repatriation of those who want to return to India.

"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," India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.

He said penalties imposed on 22 workers in custody have been paid following Krishna's discussions with Chickoty and the subsequent discussions that management of the cement company had with Angolan authorities.

"Following the External Affairs Minister S M 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)," 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.

(Source: The Economic Times of India)