Steps taken to try and solve crisis at Muthoot Finance: Ker CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Mondaysaidthe state government has taken necessary steps to try and solve the crisis at Muthoot Finance, which is facing a protest by a section of workers demanding a revised salary structure and other benefits.

During his weekly TV interaction show 'Naam Munnott', he said the issue needs to be discussed by both sides and the government would provide full support for that.

"The Labour Minister had called a meeting of both the sides, but the company officials did not attend it.

Muthoot is a well known company in the country. The government wants to find an amicable solution. At the same time, the interests of the employees must also be considered," Vijayan said.

The Kerala High Court had earlier directed the state police to provide adequate protection to employees of Muthoot Finance who were willing to work at offices of the company, despite protests.

Various offices of the nationwide network of the Non Banking Financial Services company have witnessed protests since August 20 by a section of employees, allegedly supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

These employeeshad earlier said the protest was against the company's alleged anti-labour stance.

The Managing Director (MD) of Muthoot Finance George Alexander Muthoot had recently staged a "sit-in", alleging that outsiders were creating trouble in his company "without any reason".

He had also threatened to close all the strike-hit branches of the company, which has 600 branches in Kerala.

The employees have been demanding a proper salary structure, a transfer policy and bonus, among others.

The MD had earlier claimed that the company gave salary and other benefits to its employees on time.