UCIL employment talks collapse in Jadugoda

Disappointed by the failed negotiations, the committee reaffirmed its stance on continuing an indefinite road blockade. Agitators initiated the vehicle blockade at six in the morning on Friday. The ongoing protest has completely disrupted the movement of company vehicles in the area. Demonstrators vowed to continue the agitation until management provides a concrete written commitment.

The core dispute centers around employment demands for youths from the Hitku Panchayat area. Struggle Committee representatives demanded immediate jobs for thirty youths from displaced and affected families. Committee leaders argued that families who lost land for the project deserve priority hiring.

UCIL management countered the demand by offering jobs to only three individuals. The committee promptly rejected this proposal as entirely insufficient for the affected community. Representatives maintained they would not accept any offer below thirty employment positions. This firm refusal led to a complete deadlock between the negotiating parties.

The current conflict follows earlier discussions regarding broader regional grievances. A previous tripartite meeting addressed recruitment priorities under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation policy. Discussions also covered contract labor rights, healthcare facilities, education, and rural infrastructure development. Despite these extensive preliminary talks, stakeholders failed to achieve agreement on hiring norms.

UCIL management officials Rakesh Kumar, M.K. Singh, and Girish Gupta attended Friday’s session. Affected local villagers also participated directly in the discussions alongside committee leaders. The persistent deadlock continues to freeze negotiations and sever corporate operational transit across the region.