Odisha workers oppose lockout in factory; stage demo

Reported by Malay Ray
Sundargarh, Feb 18:

Hundreds of employees of Adhunik Metaliks Ltd in Odisha’s Sundargarh staged demonstration in front of District Labor Commissioner (DLC) office at Rourkela today opposing the sudden lock out of the factory by the management and demanding immediate resumption of operations.

The workers also demanded the release of their old dues and continued the demonstration throughout the day paralyzing work at the DLC office.

Adhunik Metaliks Ltd (AML), one of the most well known iron and steel companies in the state, has a five thousand strong workforce. It has been in severe financial crisis since past one year following the closure of several mines in the state.

The company has not been able to release the staff salary on regular basis since the last one year and there has been a salary backlog of about four to five months of its employees as per reports.

The company closed down its factory on February 13, 2015, after putting a notice on the factory gate, terming the closure as temporary.

Several employees, along with representatives of CITU union, had met the DLC and had demanded reopening of the factory and release of their old dues. The labour officer had also conducted an inquiry.

The findings of the inquiry into the lockout of the factory by the management had been termed as ‘illegal’ by District Labour Commissioner.

“Today, we tried our best to convince the agitated employees, but they were not ready to listen us. We hope to receive the order pertaining to lockout within a day or two, after approval of competent authority,” said Ranjan Behera, District Labor Commissioner of Rourkela.

The future of the employees, however, continues to be uncertain after the closure of this factory.