Over 300 PPL contractual workers stage protest in Odisha over abrupt termination

More than 300 contractual workers launched a protest by staging a sit-in outside the main gate of Paradeep PPL (Paradeep Phosphates Limited) on Thursday over allegations that the company stopped issuing gate passes to mechanical workers.

The protest disrupted vehicular movement and the company employees were unable to proceed with their work, said sources.

The workers claimed that PPL suddenly ceased issuing them gate passes. Several agitators also alleged that the company suddenly terminated their services despite them having worked at the facility for more than a decade.

“Over 300 to 400 of us have worked as maintenance workers for PPL for the past 15-20 years but the company and the contractor have terminated our services all of a sudden and without any notice,” alleged Dasrathi Nayak, a protesting employee.

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"We have not been issued gate passes for the last 11 days. Also, due to the contractual nature of our work, we are currently facing financial issues and are unable to feed our families," he added.

Meanwhile, Suvendu Biswal, a PPL human resource officer stated that the company administration had nothing to do with the non-issuance of the gate passes and that it was an issue with the contractor.

“The contractor has not yet submitted approval to our terms and conditions guidelines for which their workers are unable to work for PPL or obtain a gate pass. As soon as the contractor accepts the contract, the issue will be resolved,” he added.

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The protesting workers have demanded immediate reinstatement and allocation of work while also warning that the agitation will continue until their demands are met.