Trade union election in Nalco plants

A high voltage trade union election is now underway in the smelter and power complex of public sector Nalco, here, to choose the recognized union of the plant.

The electioneering is conducted through display of huge banners and posters, door to door canvassing and roadside public meetings in the Nalco township and its peripheral areas.

Some of the contesting unions are even throwing up huge feasts for their supporters and distributing fabulous gifts to woo the workers in their favour. It is estimated that the trade unions, vying for this recognisation, have a budget of more than Rs 50 lakhs each though unlike general elections there is no authority to keep a tab on the cost.

 

It may be noted, every three year, polls are conducted among the Nalco workers to choose the recognized union to negotiate with the management on various worker related issues.

There are ten trade unions in the race this time in both smelter and power plants. The polls will be conducted on November 14. A total of 3506 Nalco workers, 2492 engaged in the smelter plant and 1014 from the power plant will exercise their franchise this year. In last poll, the Hind Majdoor Sabha (HMS) affiliated Nalco progressive Employees Union (NEPU) was elected as the recognized union for the smelter unit while INTUC affiliated Nalco Shramik Congress Union got this status for the power plant.

As per the trend now, there will be a triangular contest among the unions affiliated to BMS, HMS and INTUC in both the plants.