KOCHI:In a major victory against trade union militancy, the Synthite Industries plant at Kadayiruppu, near Kolencherry, restarted production on Tuesday after a 10-day hiatus, when nearly 400 workers reported for duty, braving stiff opposition from the CITU-backed union including manhandling and hurling of cow dung.
Synthite, one of the biggest value-added spice company in the world, was on lockout since June 2 after CITU-backed Synthite Industries Employees’ Union (SIEU) went on a strike and disrupted operations over the transfer of 18 staffers.
Commenting on the development, an ecstatic Viju Jacob, managing director, Synthite Industries, said the factory has restarted production and the company will be working towards covering up the losses incurred during the shut down. The company had reported a daily loss of nearly `4.5 crore due to disruption in production.
On Tuesday, the protesting CITU-backed trade union workers, who stationed at the plant, resisted employees joining duty by hurling cow dung at them.Workers including women, who tried to enter the factory premises, faced strong opposition before entering the premises to join duty.
SIEU union workers also tried to manhandle the employees even though police were present at the venue. However, employees entered the factory premises under police protection, company officials said.
The Synthite Industries spokesperson said since the production was halted for the past 10 days, the employees were working towards getting the production process in order.
Mediatory talks called by the Industries Minister A C Moideen and the Labour Commissioner A Alexander had failed to settle the impasse between the company management and SIEU. On Monday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked Synthite management to soften their stand on the issue.