Construction company terminates services of 52 protesting workers

The strike by the construction workers involved in the four-lane project from Thanpuri to Paraur in Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra district, entered its fourth day on Sunday. The company, Ridhi-Sidhi, which was awarded the contract, has called the workers’ demands unreasonable and took drastic action by terminating the services of 52 workers with immediate effect.

The police were dispatched to disperse the workers who were protesting to assert their rights. However, the workers remained resolute, maintaining that their protest was a constitutional right. Under the banner of CITU, the dharna also continued outside the company’s office.

Satpal, state vice-president of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, told The Tribune that Ridhi-Sidhi had subcontracted the work to another company that was violating labour laws. He claimed workers were being forced to work 12-14 hours without proper overtime wages. When they raised concerns, 52 workers were dismissed via mobile messages, further proving their connection to the company.

Union leaders criticised the company for avoiding responsibility and accused the police of siding with the company’s interests, mistreating the workers in the process. The Nagrota Bagwan SDM claimed to be unaware of the situation. Company officials were also unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.

While some workers have returned to their homes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, others continue to protest, demanding justice. They accuse the company of not adhering to labour laws, underpaying wages and causing delays in construction. The union has called on the government to take strict action against the company. Meanwhile, negotiations between the union and management have yet to yield any resolution.