SAIL Workers Protest Against 40% Workforce Reduction at Durgapur Steel Plant – Indian PSU
In a strong show of dissent, thousands of employees and contractual workers of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) staged a protest at the Durgapur Steel Plant in West Bengal against the proposed 40% reduction in contractual workforce and other pending labour-related issues.
The protest was held outside the administrative building of the plant, where workers gathered in large numbers to oppose the decision, which they described as “harsh and non-transparent.” The move has triggered widespread anger among employees, who have raised concerns over job security and lack of consultation.
According to union representatives, the matter has already been escalated to senior officials in the Ministry of Steel and SAIL management through formal communication. However, no concrete assurance has been received so far, further intensifying the dissatisfaction among workers.
Ranjay Kumar, General Secretary, Steel Federation stated that any policy decision impacting workers should be taken only after due consultation with trade unions. It warned that unilateral decisions of this nature create fear and insecurity among thousands of workers and undermine industrial harmony.
The union also alleged that the workforce reduction move appears to prioritize cost-cutting over workers’ welfare, overlooking the social responsibilities of a public sector enterprise.
Meanwhile, the Steel Workers’ Federation affiliated with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has announced a series of protests across SAIL units. Demonstrations have already been conducted at Burnpur (May 12), Alloy Steel Plant (May 13), and Durgapur Steel Plant (May 18).
Further protests are scheduled at major SAIL units including Bokaro, Bhilai, Rourkela, Visakhapatnam, Salem, and various iron ore mines, with the agitation set to continue till May 30, 2026.
The union emphasized that safeguarding the rights of contractual workers is a key responsibility of management in public sector enterprises. It has urged SAIL management to immediately put the workforce reduction decision on hold and initiate dialogue with all stakeholders.
