Worker scuffles are not uncommon in the industry and when tension erupted at the Orient Craft factory in Gurgaon recently, the management never expected it to swirl out of control catching media headlines for the day. According to workers present on the scene, the tension arose when a labour contractor questioned a few workers who reported late for duty. An argument broke out and the contractor asked the workers to leave for the day. Nobody is sure how the stone throwing began, but some workers who preferred to remain anonymous said that people standing outside the factory instigated the workers leaving the premises who then reacted by throwing stones, eventually leading to a free-for-all situation.
In the confusion, two workers were hurt and had to be admitted in the hospital, while a strong crowd of over 1500 workers from OC and nearby factories of Instyle and Pearl Global set ablaze 12 two-wheelers and three cars, including one of ACP (Traffic). While the contractor Harender alias Lovely was not available for comments, both the injured workers Naseem and Anil, now discharged from hospital were happy with the way the OC senior staff took interest in their recovery. The contractor has been hauled up and the company promises to take action for his behaviour, which had upset the workers.
“We are a very worker-friendly company and all workers whether they are permanent employees or contract workers are given the same benefits of wage, over time, PF and ESI benefits” – Anoop Thatai, Jt. MD, Orient Craft
Though the management was not directly involved in the ‘problem’ that triggered the riot-like situation, it is deeply concerned that workers from their factory behaved in such an irresponsible way. “We are talking to various associations to conduct aggression management sessions to teach workers to curb their anger,” says Anoop Thatai, Jt. MD, Orient Craft. He is also very disturbed that some reports have hinted at low wages and forced work on Sundays at Orient Craft. “We are a very worker-friendly company and all workers whether they are permanent employees or contract workers are given the same benefits of wage, over time, PF and ESI benefits and we keep a strict watch on our licensed contractors to ensure that all dues are paid as per norms.” All records are well documented and he openly invites anyone having any doubt to inspect his books. He also added, “We only work on a Sunday as compensation for extra leaves granted or when absolutely necessary and in those cases double wages as per norms are paid.”
It is important to note that the day after the incident all permanent workers and 60 per cent of the contract workers were present, this was verified by Additional Labour Commissioner who visited the Orient Craft office the next morning. “The very fact that workers came the next day and assured the management that they would make up for lost time, only goes to show that there is no deep-rooted problem,” argues Anoop.
While some labour associations are trying to give the incident anti-worker turn, both the management and workers at Orient Craft are strongly defending the allegations. Talking to a few workers at Orient Craft, two of whom are contract workers it is obvious that OC is a good place to work. “I have been with the company for 9 years and the facilities provide to us is the best in the industry,” says Anuj. Jaffar expressed satisfaction on the flexibility that the company showed to the workers who needed few hours leave, allowing them to go out with permission without deducting any wages. Two permanent OC employees, Praveen and Prashant, felt that the incident got out of hand as local villagers excited the crowd, a scene very commonly witnessed in the Gurgaon belt.
No doubt, there are certain issues with regard to worker welfare that need to be addressed, but it is important for all the stakeholders to work together and sort out the issues rather than flaunt them and bring a bad name to the industry.
