Hundreds of workers at the Hindustan Lever's production facility in Kolkata began a 72-hour strike, on Monday, to protest against various wage-related issues and a contentious voluntary retirement scheme.

Kamal Tiwary, leader of the agitating workers told reporters that their strike was called to demand "long standing wage revision" and against several of the management's decision, including outsourcing of regular jobs.

HLL has closed its soap and detergent units in Kolkata, retaining only an assembly line for its 'Pears' brand of soaps.

"We are also protesting against outsourcing of regular jobs," Tiwary said adding that another of their demands was regularising the jobs of contract workers.

The strike has also been called against a proposed voluntary retirement scheme. The VRS is being "forced upon" 500 employees, Tiwary said.

He said the issue of VRS had not been discussed with employees. About 1100 workers were taking part in the strike.

"If we are not called for negotiations soon, we will be forced to walk the path of a greater agitation," Shaw warned adding that they would give a call for an indefinite cease-work.

The agitating workers claimed that the scheme drawn up by the management did not adequately compensate the to-be retired employees.