WHEN we came to Ambuja Cements, Dadri, we saw that the workers were being exploited a lot here. They were forced to produce more and if they did not, they were pressurised to do so. They were removed from duty for two to three days. One day, three of them were thrown out without any reason and the management challenged them to resort to any course knowing full well they are unorganised. Then all the workers came to an understanding to form a union and found out which was the best union. A few comrades from Bathinda contacted CITU central office. Then they took membership of the union and filed a case for three retrenched comrades in the labour court. Along with the IR case, the union was also formed at the factory.

When the company learned that a union had been formed, it came under pressure and reinstated the three comrades who had been removed. Their rejoining the company strengthened the union further, leading to more workers joining its ranks. A General Body meeting was held on August 10, 2023, where all workers decided to submit a demand letter. The letter was prepared and submitted to the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) and the company on February 28, 2024.

The first hearing by the RLC was scheduled for April 16, 2024. However, the proceedings dragged on, with repeated delays and no substantive discussion on the issues raised. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the workers called another meeting on September 1, 2024, where they resolved to gradually reduce production as a form of protest, regardless of the challenges they might face.

As production slowed, the owner became agitated and confronted the workers. They explained that their demand letter had not been addressed. In response, the contractor and management attempted to bring in a new set of workers to replace them on September 13, 2024. The workers, standing united like a rock, resisted this move. The police intervened and resorted to violence, beating the workers, but the comrades remained resolute, declaring they would rather die than allow others to operate the machines.

The company escalated its tactics to criminal intimidation, including death threats. The workers responded with unwavering courage, stating that the machinery would only be operated over their dead bodies. Exhausted by the workers' steadfast resistance, the contractor and management eventually agreed to negotiate. After extensive discussions involving all the comrades, a favourable agreement was reached.

The agreement, signed on December 9, 2024, addressed many of the workers’ demands. Today, the workers are able to their work without any undue pressure, and there is a sense of satisfaction among all. Red Salutes to CITU for its unwavering support!

TRIPARTITE SETTLEMENT

The tripartite memorandum of settlement between the Contract Workers Union, affiliated with the CITU, and the contractors of Ambuja Cements, Dadri unit, was signed before the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) for a period of four years, starting from October 1, 2024. The Union had submitted its charter of demands on February 27, 2024, and the settlement was reached on December 9, 2024, after protracted discussions under Section 12(3) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

The main features of the settlement are as follows:

Annual Wage Revision: An annual wage increase from the daily central minimum wage by 15 per cent for the first year, 9 per cent for the next two years, and 8 per cent for the fourth year.

Diwali Bonus: A bonus of 20 per cent of the gross salary to be paid every year during Diwali.

Incentives for Packing Plant Workers: Incentives for 11 packing plant workers at Rs 9.98 per metric tonne, with a 25 per cent increase for the first year, 15 per cent for the second year, and 7.5 per cent for the last two years.

Provision of PPE: All workers operating near machinery and equipment will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, helmets, reflective jackets, dust masks, safety goggles, uniforms, winter innerwear, and raincoats, with replacements provided as needed due to natural wear and tear.

Health Coverage: Workers earning above the ESI limit will be covered under a group Mediclaim policy with a Rs 1.5 lakh coverage limit. Any additional expenses incurred for occupational diseases will be borne by the employer.

Leaves and Holidays: The settlement guarantees 15 privilege leaves and all national holidays for the workers.