CLC resolves long-pending UltraTech Baga labour dispute, workers to get ₹15 Cr benefits
Shimla/New Delhi, July 17
A long-pending industrial dispute between the management of UltraTech Cement Works at Baga in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur district and its contract workers has been resolved following the intervention of the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The settlement, arrived at on July 10 after a series of conciliation proceedings led by the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Chandigarh, is expected to provide financial benefits of around Rs 15 crore over the next five years to 284 contract workers employed at the Baga cement plant.
Also Read
Reassessment of budgetary support claims for Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. orders High Court of Himachal Pradesh
The agreement brings to an end a prolonged dispute over wages and service conditions that had remained unresolved for a considerable period.
Officials said the settlement would strengthen industrial peace while ensuring better welfare and social security for the contract workforce.
Under the agreement, contract workers will receive a monthly salary increase of Rs 6,000 during the first year. The settlement also provides for a promotion policy, supply of woollen jackets, timely payment of statutory bonuses and other welfare measures aimed at improving the service conditions of workers.
During the conciliation process, the labour authorities impressed upon the management its statutory obligations relating to worker welfare, fair service conditions and compliance with labour laws.
The management assured the conciliation machinery that it would implement the agreed provisions and continue to uphold labour welfare measures in accordance with the law.
The settlement was reached through negotiations involving representatives of the UltraTech Cement Works management, including the Assistant Vice President (Human Resources), and office-bearers of the Lal Jhanda Cement Plant Workers Union (CITU) and the UltraTech Cement Kamgar Sangh (BMS).
Labour Ministry officials described the settlement as a significant achievement of the Central Chief Labour Commissioner’s conciliation machinery, stating that it not only secures substantial financial benefits for hundreds of contract workers but also lays the foundation for stable industrial relations at one of Himachal Pradesh’s major cement manufacturing units.
About the Author
