Revive Nutrine factory: Round-table

Chittoor: The YSRCP organised a round-table conference here on Friday, seeking justice for workers, who have lost their jobs with the Nutrine Confectionary declaring lockout without giving prior notice to them. Addressing the round-table, YSRCP district women wing president Gayatri said that the management of Nutrine Confectionary did not restart operations despite employees continuing mass hunger strike for the last 10 months. She condemned the anti-labour policies of the State and Central governments.

Gayatri expressed anguish over employees rendering jobless after working for twenty years. The management of the Nutrine Confectionary reportedly had sold their factory to the Godrej Group without intimating employees.

Immediately, the Godrej had declared lockout without serving notice to employees, workers alleged. The YSRCP leader demanded that the Chief Minister should instruct the officials concerned to take measures for reviving the unit so that employees can get jobs. She assured employees that the YSRCP would exert pressure on the TDP government until the factory was revived.

CPM district secretary P Chaitanya said that a nationwide bandh call was given on September 2 protesting against the anti-labour policies of State and Central governments. He made an appeal to the Chief Minister to use his high office for reviving the factory as he represents from Chittoor district. He warned to intensify protests if the TDP government fails to take steps for reopening of the factory.

CPI City secretary Nagarajan, Congress leader Balaji and others spoke on the occasion. Later, a delegation led by YSRCP has submitted a memorandum to Joint Collector Girisha. In a press release, TNTUC president Nanda Gopal said that the State
government would take measures for reviving the sick unit and made an appeal to employees to call off relay hunger strike.