LML deal in danger of turning sour

The enthusiasm generated by the re-opening of LML has dissipated, giving way to frustration among workers once the details of the agreement became known. They apprehend the management does not want to pay "statutory dues".

There was discussion for two days whether they should adhere to the agreement or reject it outright. It was decided that the workers will "welcome" the reopening of the mills and get the new cards for layoff, which are being issued, and thereafter, press for the removal of "anti-working class features" of the agreement.

Some said the Lohia Machines Shramik Sangh, a management-promoted union, had signed on the dotted line, and "sacrificed worker interests. They do not represent us".

The "objectionable" features are: that only half of the layoff compensation will be given immediately and the rest will be credited but paid only after the company's revival proposal as placed with the BIFR has been passed and the money, to accrue to the company in accordance with the scheme, has been received. Workers say the BIFR may take years to decide.

Another feature the workers object to is the advance see off (ASO). By this the company has the right to send back workers, even permanent ones, who may not have work on a particular day.

And this will be deducted at Rs 1,000 per month of those workers who are taken back and are given full wages, effectively reducing the monthly salary by Rs 1,000. But this has now been challenged both at the Labour Commissioner's office and the High Court by the LML workers union led by JP Pandey.

The agreement gives powers to the management to terminate workers' services.

Lastly, the workers say they have been "falsely" blamed for going on strike on February 28, 2006.

Meanwhile, workers have been gathering at the corporate office, and according to figures given by RK Srivastava, wholetime director, 2,100 workers have registered themselves and their cards are being made. The total workforce of is about 2,700.