December 02, 2008

TATA Refractories workers confined in factory

SNS reported that at least 300 workers and officers of TATA Refractories Limited at Belpahar in Jharsuguda district of Orissa were confined for more than 24 hours inside the factory premises due to the unruly activities of a group of workers. A few workers held a strike at the main gate and did not allow those inside to come out, resulting in 24 hours confinement inside the factory.

As per information from TATA Refractories Limited’s public relations department, Mr Rajkishore Rout, a TRL worker, had assaulted a senior officer of the factory Mr PK Patra on October 20th 2007. Mr Patra sustained a severe head injury and was admitted to the hospital. The factory management suspended Mr Rout but his supporters demanded the withdrawal of the order. On October 23rd 2007, the management's refusal to lift the suspension on Mr Rout enraged a few workers who suddenly blocked the main gate and didn’t allow anyone to go in or come out.

Though the management filed an FIR as to the attack on a senior officer, Belpahar police is yet to arrest the culprit since he is absconding after the incident. It is further learnt that TATA management is taking the issue seriously and might close the unit if such an unruly situation continues.