INTUC condemns closure of Sirpur Paper Mills

Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State INTUC Working Committee has adopted a resolution condemning the closure of Sirpur Paper Mills at Kagaznagar in Adilabad and the AP Rayon’s factory in Warangal district.

The Working Committee also opposed the Union government’s move on the proposed labour code on industrial relations without proper consultations and modifications in the draft bill.

The trade union body also resolved that any changes to labour laws should be made only after proper consultations with trade and employees’ unions.

The 183rd Working Committee meeting of the AP and TS INTUC began on May 24 under the Chairmanship of Dr G Sanjeeva Reddy. The Working Committee resolved to demand that the TS government take immediate steps to reopen the two old factories and save lakhs of employees. The union felt that closure of the factories led to loss of a few lakhs of jobs.

The Working Committee also flayed the Central government proposal about making pension optional. “Pension can’t be optional it should be extended to all employees as a third benefit as per the guidelines issued by the Bureau of Public Enterprises under Employees Pension Scheme.”

The Working Committee also demanded consultations before any changes to labour laws. Additionally, the Working Committee demanded the complete abolition of contract and outsourced labour or they be paid at par with permanent employees. The Assembly of the trade unionists also felt that governments should come forward to save sugar mills from collapsing.