Labor Union Demands Fair Wages and Better Conditions at Bhilai Steel Plant

In a recent meeting at the office of the Joint Labor Union INTUC in Bhilai, the Unified Contract Labor Union resolved to stage a demonstration at the Boria Gate of the Bhilai Steel Plant on February 7th, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. The demonstration aims to urge prompt negotiations for a wage settlement for contract workers involved in production, maintenance, and profit generation at the Bhilai Steel Plant.

Approximately 20,000 contract workers, working shoulder to shoulder with regular employees in production and profit generation at the Bhilai Steel Plant, are yet to receive the government-mandated wages and EPF (Employee Provident Fund) amounts. The wage negotiation for contract workers has been pending for 84 months.

Key Demands:

1. Provide S-1 grade wages to contract workers.
2. Grant night allowance, canteen allowance, housing allowance, bicycle allowance, and other allowances to contract workers.
3. Ensure job security and provide social security for contract workers.
4. Regularize HSLT (Highly Skilled, Lowly Paid) contract workers to S-1 grade and expedite KYC (Know Your Customer) for pension initiation.
5. Facilitate easy entry and exit for contract workers through all plant gates.
6. Ensure contract workers receive the central minimum wage.
7. Implement a nan financial motivation scheme for contract workers.

The contract workers’ contribution to production and profit generation at the Bhilai Steel Plant is significant, but the management’s oversight of their dedication and support has led to growing discontent among the workers. The union emphasizes the need for financial incentives to boost morale.

Representatives from various unions, including Steel Workers Union INTUC, Bhilai Steel Workers Forum, Bhilai Workers Association HMS, Hindustan Steel Contract Workers Union CITU, and Center of Steel Workers Union AICCTU, were present at the meeting.