It's 'do-or-die' battle for trade unions on Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Visakhapatnam: It is going to be a 'do-or-die' battle for the trade unions who are fighting to save the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) from privatisation. In order to exert pressure on the Union government, the trade unions are gearing up for a national-level protest. As a part of it, employees are going to give a notice to the VSP management on indefinite strike to be observed after March 25.

In this connection, members of the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee will issue a notice on Thursday.

The trade unions are angry that despite the trade unions and political parties' opposing privatisation, the Centre does not seem to take note of the sentiments of the people of the State and is not willing even to consider alternative proposals to bring a turnaround in the steel plant. The committee members called for an emergency meeting and have come up with a decision to roll out their next course of action.

It was determined to give representation to the leaders and MPs of various parties in Parliament in order to seek their support. Sharing details with The Hans India, D Adinarayana, chairman of one of the of Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committees said, "Along with the representatives of the national trade unions, the committee decided to hold a 'Ukku Karmikula Garjana' at Trishna grounds, Ukkunagaram on March 20."

Meanwhile, a huge public meeting is scheduled on 28th in the city in which farmers from Delhi along with Kisan Morcha leaders will participate. This apart, a roadmap is being readied for 'chalo Delhi', an intense protest involving family members of steel plant employees seeking the support of other PSUs and converting it into a nationwide agitation.