Employees of Almora Magnesite staged a demonstration at the Bageshwar collectorate on 18 September, demanding action over the company’s continuing financial problems. The workers’ union said unpaid PF contributions had created difficulties for employees and their families.
The Almora Magnesite Workers Union has asked the government to intervene in the matter. According to union office-bearers, PF funds amounting to about 1.35 crore rupees have not yet been deposited.
Workers said the delay was affecting their ability to meet household expenses, including children’s education, marriages and other family requirements. They said the company’s weak financial position was directly affecting employees’ lives.
Indefinite sit-in planned from 21 September
The employees had earlier proposed a sit-in from 18 September. That programme was poned after discussions with the company’s management, according to the union.
Workers have now decided to begin an indefinite sit-in at the district magistrate’s office from 11am on 21 September. They said the protest would continue until a board meeting is held and arrangements are made for bank loans and a financial package.
The demonstrators warned that the agitation could be intensified if their demands do not receive a positive response soon. The available information does not indicate that the proposed bank financing or financial package has been approved.
Those present included Gayatri Prasad, Shanti Lal, Surendra Lal, Rajendra Singh, Jagdish Prasad, Vikram Singh, Vimal Kumar and Manoj Singh.
Why the protest matters
The dispute centres on the employees’ demand for release of PF-related funds and broader financial support for Almora Magnesite. The planned sit-in places the issue before the district administration while the union seeks government intervention.
Q. Why did Almora Magnesite employees protest?
They protested over the company’s financial difficulties and the reported non-deposit of their PF funds.
Q. How much PF money has the union said remains unpaid?
The union said about 1.35 crore rupees has not yet been deposited.
Q. Where was the demonstration held?
Employees demonstrated at the Bageshwar collectorate.
Q. When is the indefinite sit-in scheduled to begin?
It is scheduled to start at 11am on 21 September at the district magistrate’s office.
Q. What are the employees seeking from the government?
The union wants government intervention, a board meeting, bank loans and a financial package for the company.
Q. What happened to the earlier protest programme?
The sit-in planned for 18 September was poned after talks with the company’s management.
Conclusion
Almora Magnesite employees have announced an indefinite Bageshwar sit-in from 21 September over unpaid PF funds and the company’s financial condition, while seeking government intervention and financial support.
