CM Pinarayi Vijayan turns tables on Synthite Industries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday accused the management of Synthite Industries in Kochi of taking vindictive action against the employees for forming a trade union and said the government was trying to sort out the ongoing stir. While the opposition UDF alleged that it was another instance of the anti-investor climate in the state, Industries Minister A C Moideen said that the management was taking a stubborn stand despite settlement talks. It should not be generalised as an anti-investor friendly situation of the state, he added. 

Replying to an adjournment motion notice of the Opposition in the Assembly on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the transfer of 18 employees was alleged to be a vindictive action for forming a CITU-backed trade union. "No management should take such a vindictive stand against employees for forming a trade union. Trade unions are formed to protect genuine rights of employees and it did not harm any industry.  Though the management justifies the transfers citing technical reasons like climate change, they are not willing for making deputation arrangement instead of transfer," he said.

The industry minister also said that the management was taking vindictive stand against formation of CITU-backed trade union. Even after the settlement talks initiated by the labour authorities, the management initiated further vindictive transfers. The management is maintaining a stubborn stand and rejecting suggestions of the government to amicably settle the stir.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the government's claims of ease of doing business were remaining only in words, but not on actions. "There was no fresh investment in the state during the last two years. The government should hence try to ensure that the existing industries do not leave the state. The Chief Minister himself should take the initiative for settling the issue at Synthite Industries, he said. Congress MLA V P Sajeendran, who gave notice for an adjournment motion, alleged that despite a High Court order to ensure protection to employees of Synthite Industries turning up for work, the police was advising the employees to keep off from work. He also said that only 10 percent employees of the company had joined the CITU-backed new trade union.