Workers go on flash strike

HUNDREDS of workers of a construction company went on a flash strike yesterday in protest against its officials' failure to repatriate their dead colleague's body to India.

The workers of Syed Kadhem Al Durazi Company in Sanad, were angry that four days after one of their colleagues, Gurmit Singh, died at the labour camp, his body was still at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) mortuary and the company management had not taken any steps to send his mortal remains to India.

They alleged Mr Singh, from Punjab, died soon after a company doctor said there was nothing wrong with him after he had complained of chest pain at around 10 am on Saturday. "Mr Singh was given some tablets and sent back, a few hours after which he collapsed and died," one worker said.

The workers said the company officials were not concerned about workers' welfare and they were living in miserable conditions.

"We stay 10 to a room, with only six people sleeping on beds and others on the floor."

They demanded action against those responsible for their condition.

The camp manager, who identified himself as Saeed, said there "was a problem at the camp which had been resolved."

He said the workers were angry at the delay in repatriating the body but claimed "government procedures take time to finish."

He said the body would be repatriated as soon as formalities were completed. "The matter has been resolved and everyone will come to work today," he said.