Labour unrest in Regency Ceramics turns violent

Labour unrest at the plant of Regency Ceramics Limited (RCL) at Yanam in the Union Territory of Puducherry turned violent on Friday leading to police firing and imposition of Section 144 in the town.

According to reports reaching here, 6 persons were injured in the police firing and the condition of two was serious. The injured were undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Yanam.

The trouble started following the death of a trade union leader of the ceramic factory, allegedly due to police beating in the morning.

The enraged workers also attacked KC Chandrasekhar, a senior executive of the company. He was admitted to a private hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The company management said 400 workers entered the plant premises and damaged equipment, vehicles, computers and other assets. They also set fire to the factory and beat up staff working in the morning shift. The exact damage and loss to property was yet to be ascertained.

RCL company secretary, Amala, stated that for the past few days there was "some sort of non cooperation from workers" who were demanding to re-instate "one dismissed and a few suspended workers". They also wanted increase in wages.

“The conciliation proceedings before the labour commissioner are also in process to bring out an amicable agreement,” Amala informed the stock exchanges.

RCL incurred a net loss of Rs 15.43 crore during 2010-11 and a loss of Rs 6.95 crore in the first half of the current financial year.