Tue May 20 13:41:57 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Workers Strike Over Contract Terminations, Seek State Intervention**

**Visakhapatnam, India – May 20, 2025** – Contract workers at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) launched an indefinite strike today, protesting the termination of 5,400 workers. The Public Sector Undertakings All Party Trade Unions JAC, led by Chairman M. Jaggunaidu, is demanding an immediate halt to the terminations and urging the state government to intervene and withdraw police forces deployed at the plant.

At a solidarity meeting held near the RTC Complex, union leaders condemned the “illegal” terminations and suspensions, also demanding the withdrawal of show cause notices, resolution of permanent employee issues, and payment of salary arrears.

R.K.S.V. Kumar, CITU district general secretary, announced the postponement of the all-India general strike to July 9, citing the post-war scenario in the country. However, the VSP contract workers’ strike commenced as planned. Their demands include the abolishment of Labour Codes, allocation of captive mines to VSP, and the plant’s merger with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Speakers criticized NDA leaders for their inaction in convincing the Union government to reverse its decision on the strategic sale of VSP. They also accused TDP and JSP leaders of failing to address the contract worker terminations, despite promises to protect VSP before the elections.

Union leaders also voiced support for other protesting workers, including “Thalli Bidda Express” workers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi and Midday Meal scheme workers, and EPS pensioners, advocating for improved working conditions and fair compensation. They appealed to the public to support the upcoming all-India strike on July 9.

**Summary:**

Contract workers at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) have initiated an indefinite strike following the termination of 5,400 employees. The Public Sector Undertakings All Party Trade Unions JAC is leading the protests, demanding the reinstatement of workers, intervention from the state government, and addressing broader issues like labor codes and the future of VSP. The strike coincides with broader labor concerns across various sectors, with a postponed all-India strike planned for July.

Read More