Coimbatore, Oct 24 (PTI) Workers of the seven textile mills attached to the National Textile Corporation in Tamil Nadu observed a one-day fast today as part of their indefinite strike demanding bonus settlement that has entered its 12th day.

According to CITU sources, on an average 150 to 200 workers were sitting in front of each mill on fast, as decided by the Joint Action Council (JAC) of major textile trade unions after six rounds of talks failed to yield a solution over the issue of Diwali bonus.

JAC blamed NTC management for its 'adamant' attitude even in paying the minimum bonus as per Bonus Act and attendance incentives as suggested by senior Labour department officials, but management said these mills were not making profits.

There are about 5,500 workers, including 3,500 permanent ones, in these mills, with Coimbatore alone having five mills.