Madhu Koda Leads Protest Against Outsider Hiring at Gua SAIL

Joint Unions Demand Cancellation of 18 Non-Local Appointments

Former CM warns of economic blockade if July 3 meeting fails to reach consensus.

GUA – Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda led a protest at the Chief General Manager’s office at Gua SAIL, demanding the cancellation of 18 non-local hires and addressing worker grievances.

"We’ve been protesting since December when these outsiders from Bokaro and other states were employed," Koda stated during the demonstration. "SAIL management’s promises remain unfulfilled."

Ongoing Dispute

Joint unions have been agitating since the controversial appointments in December.

Initial assurances from SAIL management led to a temporary halt in protests.

Re-employment of outsiders in May during election code of conduct reignited tensions.

Union Demands

The Union demands included the following:

• Cancellation of 18 outsider appointments at Gua SAIL mines.

• Addressing various worker-related grievances.

Upcoming Negotiations

A crucial meeting is scheduled for July 3 at 4:00 pm.

Koda warned, "If no consensus is reached, we’ll initiate an economic blockade and shut down SAIL operations from that evening."

Participating Unions

The protest saw representation from multiple unions, including:

• Jharkhand Mazdoor Sangharsh Sangh

• Bokaro Steel Workers Union INTUC

• Supply Mazdoor Sangh

• Saranda Mazdoor Sangh

• CITU

• Jharkhand Mazdoor Morcha

Key labor leaders Rama Pandey, Antaryami Mahakud, and Kishore Singh were among the attendees.

This ongoing dispute highlights tensions between local employment expectations and SAIL’s hiring practices, with potential implications for the region’s industrial relations.