Kolkata, Feb 16 (IANS) The ongoing strike by contract workers at the Steel Authority of India Ltd's (SAIL) plant at Durgapur in West Bengal has been adversely affecting the operations at the plant, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

'While the plant authorities have asked for a withdrawal of strike so that discussions may resume, the striking contract workers continue to block both incoming and outgoing trucks carrying different materials,' the company said.

The strike was called by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-affiliated United Contractor Workers Union over issues like recruitment and wage revision. The strike entered its fourth day Tuesday.

'There are already over 80 trucks with items ready for despatch like granulated slag, iron and steel scrap, coal chemicals, some finished products, etc, stuck inside the plant as the striking contract workers have threatened the drivers and also physically obstructed the movement,' the statement said.

'The movement of wheels and axles meant for supply to Indian Railways has also been affected,' the company said.

A committee, having members from both the unions and SAIL management, constituted for discussing the wage of the contract workers is scheduled to meet Feb 23, the statement added.