Bokaro: The simmering discontent of contract workers at SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant’s coke oven section erupted into a fiery protest on Monday, with union leaders warning management of a complete shutdown on 5 September 2025 if demands are ignored.
Under the banner of the KIMS (HMS), hundreds of workers rallied from Battery No. 08 to the Chief General Manager’s office, raising thunderous slogans against what they called the “dictatorship” and “anti-worker policies” of the management.
General Secretary and NJCS member Rajendra Singh accused officials of dismantling hard-won worker benefits, denying ESIC facilities to skilled workers, reneging on grade promotion agreements, slashing incentives, and forcing unsafe working conditions.
“Workers are being made to toil without safety gear, allowances, or proper tools while company representatives abuse and assault them. Safety is left to God’s mercy. Enough of pleading — justice will now be taken through struggle,” Singh declared, giving the management a “final warning” before the September deadline.
Union leaders alleged rampant exploitation, non-payment of gratuity, manipulation of PF calculations, and a nexus between officers and contractors “looting” the system at the cost of worker lives.
Speakers including R.K. Singh, Shashi Bhushan, Jumman Khan, Hareram, and others vowed to intensify the agitation unless the management wakes from its “Kumbhakarni sleep” and honors its commitments.
If the standoff continues, Bokaro’s coke ovens could go cold next month — a move likely to hit steel production hard.
