Videocon may lay off 1,000 workers at Bharuch plant

Sources said while Videocon had shut one unit of the plant earlier, it was now planning to shut another, which might pose a threat to jobs

A possible stand-off between the Videocon management and its Bharuch plant workers might take place amidst reports of the former's move to lay off workers at its coloured glass manufacturing unit. It has been learnt through sources that over 1,000 workers at Videocon's Bharuch plant are likely to get the axe.

Incidentally, the office of the assistant labour commissioner in Bharuch had received an anonymous application from workers of the Videocon plant alleging that they were being forced to tender resignations. The labour officer who is probing the application, said, "We have received an anonymous application from some workers of the company claiming that they were being threatened to quit."

He further said that one of the plants of the company was shut down and some workers were laid off. However, he was not able to ascertain how many. "I would be visiting the plant in a couple of days to inquire about the anonymous application. Only then I would be able to comment further," the labour officer added.

According to industry sources, while Videocon had shut one unit of the plant earlier, it was now planning to shut another unit which might pose a threat to jobs of over 1,000 workers.

However, speaking to Business Standard, VN Dhoot, CMD of Videocon, said, "About 200 workers had quit sometime back from the Bharuch plant. I don't know anything else other than that."

When contacted company officials at Bharuch plant refused to comment on the development.