INTUC, alliance unions win VSP polls

Visakhapatnam: The combine of Visakha Steel Employees’ Congress (INTUC) and its other alliance unions, including TNTUC has won the election conducted for the recognised union in the Vizag Steel Plant on Saturday defeating its nearest rival union-Steel Progressive Front, and the suspense continued till late Saturday night over the victory.

Deputy Chief Commissioner of Labour, Government of India UK Das, who conducted the election, announced results at 1 am on Saturday.

The INTUC combine has secured 5,602 votes, while the Steel Progressive Front has obtained 4,565 votes, YSR Trade Union Congress-907 votes, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh 91 and Visakha Steel Employees’ Union-40. Soon after being elected, the workers of INTUC combine took out a victory rally led by leaders Rajsekhar Mantri, Neerukonda Ramachandra Rao, Gandham Venkata Rao, Gangavaram Gopi and others raising slogans.

Many employees in the night duty, greeted the newly elected union leaders who in turn reciprocated gratitude for electing them.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajasekhar Mantri said that the INTUC combine would implement all promises given in the manifesto adding that the union’s top priority is to safeguard the workers’ welfare and safety besides strengthening the Steel Plant in all respects by working hard.

“It is the responsibility of all workmen to protect the interests of the plant,” he added. He thanked all those, who supported the INTUC combine, and assured to work to their expectations.