Bokaro: Anger is brewing in Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) as workers of the traffic department, considered the plant’s lifeline, staged a massive protest on Monday under the banner of Hind Mazdoor Sabha (affiliated to Revolutionary Steel Workers Union). The demonstration, held at the office of the Chief General Manager, saw workers denounce what they called “repressive and exploitative policies” of SAIL management.
Leading the protest, Rajendra Singh, General Secretary and NJCS member, alleged that the traffic department is a glaring example of exploitation, where contract workers toil 30 days a month for as little as ₹350, without leave or basic rights. He accused the management of allowing contractors to abuse and threaten workers while the profits of their hard labor are siphoned off.
Singh further slammed SAIL for delayed and incomplete wage revisions, denial of arrears, and a flawed incentive scheme that leaves workers at a loss. He also alleged that Bokaro’s hopes of expansion and modernization are being deliberately sidelined by the SAIL top brass.
Highlighting the plight of contract laborers, Singh said they are treated “like slaves”—with no job security, minimum wages, allowances, healthcare, or promotions, despite delivering record production.
Issuing a stern warning, Singh declared: “Enough is enough. If justice is not done by September 5, operations at coke-oven, blast furnace and traffic department will be brought to a halt.”
The protest was also addressed by several union leaders and social activists including R.K. Singh, Subhash Chandra Kumbhakar, Shashi Bhushan, A.K. Choudhary, S.K. Ojha, Raju Sahni, Shakeel Ahmed, Mahanand, Yakub Ansari, Sirajuddin Ansari, Vibhuti Mahato, Mir Hussain, K.K. Sinha, and others.
