Zydus Wellness workers resolve issues with management

NAMCHI, 04 July: A meeting was held at the office of the District Collector South in the afternoon of 02 July to discuss issues raised by contractual workers engaged at Zydus Wellness Sikkim. Many points were discussed and agreed upon by all sides and it was agreed that a joint committee consisting of four casual workers and four management staff be formed as early as possible. 
This committee will meet at regular intervals and address the common working conditions and related issues to maintain harmonious relations at the site. Bonus payment of 8.33% will be paid to all eligible employees covered under the Payment of Bonus Act and the payment will be done before the Dussehra festival.
One workers’ representative will monitor the canteen service, from preparation of food to service of food at canteen and this duty will be on rotational basis every month. With reference to workers going on strike, the management agreed not to terminate workers representatives without the permission of the District Collector South.
As per company policy increment of 10% will be considered to those casual workers who have completed 80% attendance for the period April 2011 till May 2012, the management will decide the name of the best employee of the month on performance basis and will announce appropriate reward for the same.
If a worker is ill he/she may take leave without pay with submission of medical certificate, the insurance copy and monthly on line EPF copy will be displayed in the notice board and all contractors will issue photo identity card to their workers.
In the absence of ESCI Scheme in this region, the management will revert to Policy on Medical Treatment for certain genuine long term illness, if required the case will be put forward in joint committee to decide on partial help for genuine cases.
The meeting further decided that in the beginning of the month, workers who are unable to stay on extra working hours due to their personal reasons will have to intimate the contractor in advance. The wages will not be payable to workers who went on strike for the period from 27 June to 01 July. All workers representatives agreed to maintain discipline in the company premises and ensure healthy work environment in company premises, if any violation of company rules is observed the management will take disciplinary actions. It was further informed that the management will need some time to organize transport facility for casual workmen staying overtime beyond 7 PM.
The meet also decided that the workers will not resort to illegal strikes and stoppage of work in future. This meeting was attended by District Collector South, AK Singh and DLC South, SM Neopaney along with representatives from Zydus Wellness Sikkim Vice President, DK Patel, Sr. Vice President Rishikesh Raval and Manager HR, Bibek Nandi while eleven members from Contract Workmen also attended the meeting after which the members gave their approval by signing the minutes of the meeting.