The Kuarmunda-based Adhunik Mettaliks limited (AMl), which has declared lockout since February 13 would reopen soon, assured Sundargarh Collector BS Poonia to a delegation of the workers’ union on Saturday.
Since declaration of the lockout by the company management without prior notice putting about 5,000 regular and contract workers jobless, the workers’ union has been fighting in different levels from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar for reopening of the company.
Meanwhile, the State labour and ESI Department has declared the lockout illegal on February 9. Though in between nine days have elapsed, the management has shown no interest for reopening of the company even if the Rourkela DlC has issued a showcause to it.
Delegation of Adhunik Mettaliks Karmachari Sangh and Adhunik Staff Officers’ Assn under the leadership of CITU leader Bishnu Mohanty met the Collector, who said he has already held talks with the company’s board of governors and hopes the company would reopen very soon.