Industry wary over workers protest rally in Pithampur

Industrial workers took to streets in Pithampur on Sunday to protest against alleged violation of norms by some industrialists on issues related to overtime payment, minimum wages and accident relief among others.

Industrial workers took to streets in Pithampur on Sunday to protest against alleged violation of norms by some industrialists on issues related to overtime payment, minimum wages and accident relief among others.

Factory workers take out rally in Pithampur on Sunday to protest against lay-offs. (HT photo)

Some casual workers have also been laid off after industrial units curtailed production following announcement of demonetization last month.

“There are multiple payment related issues and other grievances of the workers, and the rally was to highlight their plight,” Pithampur’s assistant labour officer DK Dalodra told HT.

Meanwhile, there is fear among industrialists that demonetisation has led to unrest among factory workers.

“The hardship following demonetisation has brought the workers together and culminated in this protest rally,” Pithampur industry association president Gautam Kothari told HT.

Hundreds of labourers, including casual workers who have been laid off after demonetisation, took part in the rally organised by a coalition of workers union.

Industrialists say trouble has been brewing since the past few weeks.

Labour union leader Shyam Sunder Yadav said their grievances were old and there were multiple issues that needed to be resolved by the labour department.

Hundreds of labourers, including casual workers who have been laid off after demonetisation, took part in the rally organised by a coalition of workers union.

Pithampur is known for its peaceful industrial climate and the Madhya Pradesh government never fails to project this as one of its USPs to potential investors.

Industrialists say such as rally in which different unions have come together to stage a joint protest is taking place for the first time in Pithampur.

“It’s an indication for things to come and does not bode well for the industrial town,” Kothari said.