RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM
The management of Andhra Paper Limited’s Rajamahendravaram unit declared a lockout with effect from 6 a.m. on Monday following the strike by the contract and permanent workers seeking implementation of the new wage policy.
Nearly 1,750 contract and 450 permanent workers have been on the strike since January 4, seeking increase in their wages. The workers are being supported by the 11 trade unions, including APL Janasena Trade Union, APPM Karmika Sangam and Andhra Paper Mill’s Workers Union (AITUC). The APL Management has declared the lockout for the second time within a year on the issue.
In an official release on January 6 (Monday), APL vice-president A. Jayakrishna has stated; “The contract workers have launched the strike on January 4. The strike is illegal. They have been obstructing operational activities, leading to the closure of the mill operations. The lockout has been issued on January 6 and it has been communicated to the State and the district authorities”.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has assured to constitute a committee to resolve the issues of the Andhra Paper Mill during the talks attended by the leaders of the TDP-Jana Sena – BJP alliance including Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari and Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on January 4.
Speaking to The Hindu, Andhra Paper Mill Employees Union Honorary president and AITUC East Godavari district president Thatipaka Madhu has said; “Revision of the wages is our immediate demand. The mill management has revised the wages six years ago. The sudden lockout announced by the APL Management will affect the livelihood of above 2,000 employees.” Mr. Madhu has demanded that the State government intervene to resolve the problem.
Published – January 06, 2025 08:20 pm IST
