Manufacturers say workers hitting the bottle during workhour, employees refute claim

IT's no surprise that the calendar industry workers get enwrapped in New Year spirit earlier than others. But some seem to have gotten carried away and taken to the bottle much ahead of New Year's Eve.

- HARINI M @Virudhunagar

The calendar manufacturers in Sivakasi attribute the slight slump in production this year to the workers' alleged boozing during duty hours. The workers, however, said the manufacturers are making a mountain out of a molehill. "A few men working long hours may have had a drink or two. But it is not a regular practice," a worker said.

The calendar manufacturers said they are under immense pressure to complete the 25% pending orders in addition to the huge number of last-minute orders expected to reach them shortly, within less than a month. They said on top of staff shortage, the alleged alcohol consumption among workers during the daytime has led to production setbacks.