BMS Union Submits Memorandum to SAIL Management, Flags ‘Anti-Worker Policies’ and Long-Pending Issues

The Burnpur Ispat Karmachari Sangh (BIKS), affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Executive Director (HR) of SAIL-IISCO Steel Plant, raising serious concerns over what it termed as “anti-worker policies,” administrative indifference, and long-pending unresolved issues affecting employees and contractual workers.

In the memorandum dated May 11, 2026, the union highlighted growing unrest, dissatisfaction, and hardship among workers and their families due to continuous “arbitrary decisions,” lack of administrative responsiveness, and neglect of workers’ welfare within the plant.

Key Concerns Raised

The union stated that despite repeated representations, several critical issues related to workers’ livelihood, dignity, safety, and social security have remained unresolved for years. This, it said, has adversely impacted industrial harmony at the plant.

Major Demands by the Union

The memorandum outlines a series of demands seeking immediate intervention from the management:

• Withdrawal of Retrenchment Decisions: The union demanded the immediate rollback of “illegal and arbitrary” retrenchment or curtailment measures affecting both regular and contractual workers.
• Implementation of Labour Codes: It called for proper enforcement of new labour codes and extension of statutory benefits such as PF, ESI, bonuses, gratuity, leave benefits, and occupational safety measures to contractual workers.
• End to Entry-Exit Policies: The union opposed alleged discriminatory entry-exit practices, stating they lead to harassment and humiliation of employees.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Urgent upgrades were sought in township and hospital infrastructure, including roads, sanitation, drinking water, residential quarters, and medical facilities.
• Payment of Wage Revision Arrears: The union alleged that wage revision arrears have been pending for nearly 39 months and demanded immediate clearance of dues.
• Strengthening Welfare Measures: The memorandum emphasized improving basic facilities such as canteens, safe drinking water, safety equipment, ambulance services, and overall working conditions.
• Equal Treatment for Contract Workers: It stressed the need for dignity, humane working conditions, and equal treatment for contractual labourers.
• Action Against Administrative Indifference: The union alleged instances of unnecessary pressure, intimidation, and mental harassment in various departments and called for corrective action.
• Transparent Dialogue Mechanism: It urged the management to establish a transparent grievance redressal system through dialogue with recognized workers’ representatives.

Warning of Escalation

The union cautioned that failure to address the issues within a reasonable timeframe could compel workers and labour organisations to intensify democratic protests and organisational actions.

“Workers have always stood by the organisation and contributed tirelessly to its growth. However, continued neglect of genuine demands is pushing the workforce towards frustration and insecurity,” the memorandum stated.

The letter was signed by Sanjit Banerjee, General Secretary of Burnpur Ispat Karmachari Sangh.