A 72-day relay hunger strike by workers at APR Sack Plant at Ashti in Gadchiroli was called off after a landmark labour settlement secured the future of 379 workers and ensured ₹3.08 crore in dues for them.
Background of the agitation
The agitation began on Feb 24, after reports revealed that the APR Sack Plant, a paper bag manufacturing unit operated by Avantha Holdings Ltd, an associate of Ballarpur Paper Mill, was likely to be shifted. Meanwhile, the 292.50-acre Ashti Paper Mill land and infrastructure were being sold to Triveni Lloyds Metal Pvt Ltd. The move threatened the livelihood of nearly 400 workers, including 44 permanent and 343 contract employees.
Negotiations and breakthrough
Following sustained negotiations led by union president Naresh Puglia and hearings before Nagpur's additional labour commissioner Kishor Dahiphalkar, a breakthrough was reached on Wednesday. Under the settlement, the APR Sack Plant will continue operations at its current at Ashti, with 14.06 acre leased back for the unit's functioning. A ₹5 crore security deposit will also be created to protect workers' interests, while pending wage revision agreements are to be completed by Dec 31.
Financial relief for workers
Parallelly, Ballarpur Paper Mill management agreed to release ₹3.04 crore in gratuity and ₹3.85 lakh in leave encashment to 379 contract workers within seven days, offering long-awaited financial relief to hundreds of affected families. The agreement also reinforces employment continuity for 76 permanent workers already shifted to Ballarpur Paper Mill and seeks job opportunities for local landowners in the upcoming Lloyds Metal project.
