Nagpur: The mediatory role played by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has resulted in hundreds of employees of Reliance Polyester Industries mopping at least Rs 22 lakh compensation each. This is the first time that such kind of settlement was reached in the history of Vidarbha following intervention by the Guardian Minister.
The Reliance Polyester Industries was facing difficulties on all fronts since the past one or more years. Production had become herculean task for the management. It ultimately led to total stoppage of work. However, the employees were being paid salaries and other allowances. The Union of All India Polyester Employees met the company authorities in this regard. But the company expressed its inability to start production. Thereafter the employees knocked doors of Guardian Minister Bawankule. The Minister on his part tried to intervene in the matter. Six meetings were held with Additional Labour Commissioner but the company cited financial constraints for closing down the industry.
On August 28, a joint meeting of Additional Labour Commissioner Anil Laksawar, employees union and company management was held in the presence of Guardian Minister Bawankule. In the discussion, it was decided that those employees resigning voluntarily would be paid Rs 22 lakh compensation. Those workers receiving less than Rs 20 lakh would be given additional Rs 1 lakh apart from the due amount. For example, if any worker is receiving Rs 15 lakh then he would be paid additional Rs 1 lakh. However, no worker would be paid more than Rs 22 lakh, it was decided in the meeting.
Apart from the settled amounts, the eligible workers would receive medical insurance scheme benefits, gratuity, leave payment, bonus etc.
