ROURKELA: Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh may face protest during his maiden visit to Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) of SAIL on Monday as the members of several workers’ unions are peeved over SAIL’s refusal for pay revision.
As per the ‘affordability clause’ notified by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) for Central PSUs in March 2017, any company incurring loss for three consecutive years would be barred from wage revision, sources said.
General secretary of Bharaitya Mazdoor Sangh-affiliated Rourkela Ispat Karkhana Karmachari Sangh (RIKKS), H S Bal, said BMS would not welcome the Steel Minister and a small delegation would stage protest, reiterating their demand for immediate finalisation of wage revision.
The BMS leader warned the BJP of facing unpleasant outcomes in 2019 elections, if their demand for wage revision and launching of pension scheme were ignored.
Sources said BMS was under pressure as it had won RSP’s trade union recognition election for second time in January, promising workers of pay revision.
“The pay revision for workers was done in 2012 for five years. After going through the latest financial report of SAIL, we are shocked to know that workers are also included in the affordability clause,” Bal added.
“SAIL’s financial condition is improving with workers’ dedication. It is unfortunate that funds reserved for wage revision and introduction of pension scheme have been returned to Steel Ministry. According to the instruction of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, wage revision for SAIL workers is not possible as the company had incurred loss in the past three years,” he said.
Other trade unions are also opposing Modi Government’s decision. Gangpur Mazdoor Manch on Saturday burnt the effigy of the Steel Minister over the same issue at Bisra Square.
Although not belligerent like BMS, RSP Executives’ Association (RSPEA), led by its president Bimal Bisi, is also vehemently pressing for pay revision and pension scheme for executives.
Bisi said they would urge the Steel Minister to fulfil their demands. “The pension files are with the Steel Minister. Thus, RSPEA is hopeful that the Minister will clear them immediately,” he added.