Workers continue strike at R.D. Rubber Reclaim Ltd. in Jamshedpur 

Mail News Service

Gamharia, May 22: The indefinite strike by workers of RD Rubber Company in the industrial area persisted for the second consecutive day, halting production on Tuesday as well. Despite the oppressive heat, all workers remained steadfast in their protest outside the company premises.

Upon receiving information about the strike, Labor Superintendent Avinash Thakur promptly visited the protest site to gather details about the situation. He engaged with both permanent and temporary employees, as well as contract workers, to understand their grievances. Workers highlighted various issues, including non-payment of minimum wages, the authoritarian behavior of management, delayed salaries and benefits, failure to provide settlements to retired employees, among others. They urged immediate action to address these concerns.

After assessing the workers’ problems, the Labor Superintendent announced plans to file a criminal case against the company. He emphasized that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, with a report submitted to the District Labor Commissioner (DLC) to initiate appropriate action. Additionally, he noted the company’s violation of government orders by not granting a holiday on the day of voting and pledged to escalate the issue to the Deputy Commissioner (DC).

Reports of the company making salary payments in cash, contrary to government directives since 2017, have also surfaced. The management is suspected of violating labor laws related to minimum wages, bonuses, Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), and gratuity. A notice demanding clarification from the management will be issued on Wednesday, followed by a claim filed in the DLC court with imposed penalties.

The allegations against the company’s management are under investigation, and if found guilty, criminal charges will be pursued. Notably, during the Labor Superintendent’s visit to the company premises, the absence of any registers was observed, indicating a lack of documentation. The presence of representatives from the Kolhan Mazdoor Union, including General Secretary Basant Kumar, further underscored the solidarity of the workers in their demands for justice.