Hunger strike on ONGC offshore platforms
Mahatma Gandhi used hunger strikes effectively in the struggle for independence.
Angry employees at ONGC's prolific western offshore installations also used the tactic this month (May 2024) to protest an order, increasing the amount of time they must spend offshore without a break. At stake is a May 17 (2024) order from executive director C Mathavan reflecting an earlier management decision changing the on-off duty cycle from 14 to 21 days.
During the monsoon season from May 15 to September 20, offshore employees must now work 21 days and then take a 21-day break. ONGC's logic is that longer shifts make sense because of poor weather and safety concerns about employees taking too many helicopter flights.
However, employees dismiss this argument, saying that if the weather is bad, pilots will not fly. Three employee unions came together for "direct action" against the management decision, among them the largest: ASTO.
Others that joined included the ONGC Karmachari Sangathana (OKS) and the Petroleum Employees Union (PEU). However, ASTO backed down on May 22 (2024) and deferred participation.
On May 21 (2024), dozens of employees in orange overalls and boots assembled on offshore decks in protest. On May 22 (2024) and May 23 (2024), they refused to eat and were not even tempted by a menu of omelette sandwiches, chole puri and idlis.
On May 24 (2024), the PEU planned demonstrations and pickets. On May 22 (2024), the canteen on the first floor of the NBP Green Heights building in Mumbai was deserted.
A poster on the canteen wall said: "Support our offshore colleagues! Boycott food in solidarity; our offshore employees are on a hunger fast protesting unfair treatment; join us in standing with them by boycotting food; help bring attention to their cause; we can make a difference." On May 24 (2024), PEU representatives met ONGC management for talks with deputy labour commissioner Sanjay Dabi in Mumbai.