Nearly 15 workers of the Rubtech Industries at Kizhmad near here were rendered jobless as the factory entered lockout mode on September 25.
More than 11 workers who had been living in the factory quarters had to undergo hardships after electricity and water connections were allegedly disconnected.
Company officials said the workers were against bringing in migrant labourers at low wages and this led to the stopping of operations. Jayachandra Kumar, convener of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh said what irked them was not appointment of migrant labourers, but the termination notices served to four senior workers, who were locals.
According to him more than 13 North Indian workers have been appointed as helpers to support the daily work load, but the original employees did not question the company move.
Four of the senior workers were terminated from service immediately after the appointment of the new migrant workers, which, he said, was beyond any justification.
The workers are demanding reinstatement of the senior workers. The workers allege that have not been given any perks although many of them have crossed seven and eight years of service.
Recently the company had rejected demands by workers for providing ESI and PF, they alleged. The company did not even pay the advance salary during the last Onam season, leave alone bonus, alleged Jayachadra. ENS