Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Poorata Committee contract workers announce indefinite strike from May 20

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Poorata Committee has called for an indefinite strike by contract workers starting on 20 May, along with a one-day strike by permanent employees.

The protests follow management’s issuance of show-cause notices, suspensions, and alleged attempts to intimidate and dismiss workers.

CITU leaders, including state general secretary Ch. Narsinga Rao, district president KM Srinivas, and general secretary RKSV Kumar, have demanded an immediate halt to these actions.

The committee has also called for the withdrawal of show-cause notices issued to seven workers and the suspension of four others on 13 May.

The leaders claimed that despite Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s visit to the plant in January and an announced Rs 11,440 crore financial package, much of the funding is being used to clear debts. They alleged that 4,000 contract workers were removed from the plant’s biometric attendance system and barred from entering the premises.

Workers have faced a 25% salary cut over the last eight months due to funding shortages. Additionally, housing allowances have not been paid, and electricity charges have increased sixteenfold.

The committee accused the coalition government of facilitating the privatisation of the plant by supporting ArcelorMittal’s interests in the Anakapalli district.