SAIL Bonus 2025: NJCS Meeting Ends Without Result, Employees Left Disappointed
The dispute over the difference of just ₹1,000 has cast a shadow over festive celebrations for SAIL’s workforce across the country
The much-anticipated meeting of the National Joint Committee for Steel (NJCS) held in New Delhi on Saturday to finalize the SAIL Bonus 2025 ended without any resolution, leaving thousands of employees across Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), deeply disappointed.
The day-long meeting, which began at 11 AM and stretched until late evening, witnessed intense negotiations between union leaders and SAIL management. The unions, which had scaled down their initial demand from ₹40,500 to ₹32,500, remained adamant that they would not accept anything less. On the other hand, management stated it was unwilling to go beyond ₹31,500, citing adherence to the company’s bonus formula.
Breakdown of Negotiations
- Union’s final demand: ₹32,500
- Management’s final offer: ₹31,500
- Formula-based entitlement (as per management): ₹29,500 for employees, ₹23,600 for interns
With neither side willing to compromise further, the meeting ended without an agreement. Sources indicate that SAIL management may directly deposit the formula-based amount of ₹29,500 into employees’ accounts, as has been the practice for the past two years.
Festive Season Disappointment
The stalemate has sparked frustration among employees, especially with the onset of Durga Puja and Sharadiya Navratri from September 22. Many workers had pinned their hopes on the NJCS meeting for a festive-time bonus settlement. Following the announcement, social media discussions about a potential strike over “respectable bonus payments” began circulating among employees.
Union Leaders’ Stand
Union leaders cornered the management by highlighting profits from SAIL’s mining operations, which, they argued, were being ignored in the bonus calculation.
Despite several rounds of arguments and presentations, no middle ground was reached.
The Road Ahead
With talks failing, employees remain uncertain about bonus payments. Union leaders have warned of escalating protests if the management proceeds with unilateral bonus deposits. The dispute over the difference of just ₹1,000 has cast a shadow over festive celebrations for SAIL’s workforce across the country.
