'Outsiders get 22L package, we get nothing:' Tata Power workers in Odisha launch indefinite strike 

Over a hundred workers under the Odisha Electricity Workers’ Association, Jeypore Circle, launched an indefinite protest on Tuesday in front of the office of the Superintending Engineer of the Tata Power Southern Odisha Distribution Limited (TPSODL), Jeypore Circle, protesting against what they alleged as arbitrary actions by the distribution company's (discom) management. 

The agitators objected to the dismissal of three workers.  

Raising slogans against Tata Power’s alleged mismanagement; the demonstrators called for the immediate reinstatement of three colleagues who they claim were unjustly dismissed without explanation. The families of the dismissed employees are currently facing problems, they alleged. 

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The workers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current management practices at Tata Power, alleging that decisions are being made without any consultation or regard for the employees' welfare. The protestors united to vocalise their demands, chanting slogans directed at the company's decision-makers.

“Our workers work during cyclones, in sun and rain. But they are being dismissed. We had taken the issue up with the management on several occasions but to no avail. So, in protest against this action, we have launched an indefinite strike,” said P Balaji Rao, secretary of the association. 

“We will continue our strike till our demands are not met. In the coming days, we will intensify it. The BJP has come to power to save Odia Asmita. But in Tata Power, non-Odias are ruling. While persons from Maharashtra and Bihar are being posted with a salary package of Rs 22 lakh, Odia youths are labouring hard for Rs 10,000,” said an agitating employee. 

In response to the ongoing demonstrations, the Superintending Engineer announced that senior officials from Tata Power in Berhampur are scheduled to engage with the association on January 9. The meetings aim to address the workers' grievances and find a resolution to the current impasse.

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“We have communicated their demand to the head office for the next course of action. In this regard, a meeting involving the representatives of the agitating members and higher officials has been fixed for January 9.  In that meeting, a resolution will be found to streamline the operation,” said Manmath Mishra, Superintending Engineer, TPSODL.