HEC supply workers in jeopardy as salaries remain unpaid

Ranchi: Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) in Ranchi is grappling with a severe financial crisis, leaving the livelihoods of its workforce hanging in the balance. The crisis has led to a backlog of 16 months of unpaid salaries for supply and permanent employees, while officers face an even graver situation with 18 months of outstanding pay.

The predicament deepens for over 1600 supply workers, who are on the brink of another blow. Discussions within HEC indicate that the production has come to a halt for the past five months due to a lack of working capital. Consequently, the management is contemplating withholding salaries for this period, affecting the supply workers directly.

HEC directors have reportedly consulted with officials on this matter, raising concerns about the feasibility of paying salaries to supply personnel when production is at a standstill. The unique aspect is that the salaries of these workers are typically paid directly by the contractor into their bank accounts.
Dilip Singh of the HEC Supply Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee expressed dismay, highlighting that despite past strikes lasting from seven to 72 days, the management never resorted to cutting the salaries of supply workers. Over the years, the HEC management took over the responsibility of supply personnel from contractors. These workers play vital roles in various shops, headquarters, and even in the security of the HEC residential complex in Ranchi.

The management’s stance that salaries won’t be paid if production is halted has sparked concerns over potential disruptions to industrial peace. Supply workers are expected to vehemently protest if their salaries are not disbursed promptly. Advocates for the workforce insist that the management should prioritize arranging working capital to ensure the swift payment of overdue salaries, addressing the concerns of the struggling employees and maintaining stability within the organization.