Workers strike hits HCA

There seems to be no respite for the administrators running Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). Even as they braved several hiccups that have come along the way,

Tuesday saw several workers protesting at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) where the HCA office is situated.

Trouble began when the HCA suspended an electrician on charges of ‘neglect of duty, and spreading canards’. Meanwhile around 100 members of Hyderabad Cricket Association Staff and Employees Union expressed solidarity with the suspended employee,

Nadeem Hussain, who is also the Union General Secretary. Sitting on a protest at the Gate II of the Stadium they demanded immediate dropping of charges and reinstating Hussain.

In his diatribe against the HCA functionaries, Hussain said that although the Union was recognised by the earlier panel, the incumbent one,

headed by Arshad Ayub had virtually derecognised the Union. He said when he sought to know the reasons for the isolation, he was issued a memo and subsequently suspended.

Ayub was dismissive of the worker and said that he has always been spreading an unhealthy atmosphere within the office. He said that the final straw was when Hussain approached High Court,

which was tantamount to violating the HCA Code of Conduct and working rules for employees. He said that the Association was in the forefront of paying salaries on time besides extending facilities like increments and giving bonus from the funds they get from Board of Control for CVricket in India (BCCI).

Talking tough, the Association President pointed out that 18 temporary workers who were supporting Hussain have been relieved from services. He said that the striking workers have been cautioned against continuing the stir.

On their part, the Union workers have petitioned their president and Home Minister and Trade, Naini Narasimha Reddy, to come to their assistance.