TEMPORARY workers at the Mahindra & Mahindra tractor unit in Hingna MIDC on Tuesday staged a major agitation outside the factory gate in the morning hours till late in the afternoon. More than 1,000 temporaty workers at the Mahindra & Mahindra tractor unit have launched a protest demanding PF and ESIC benefits, job security, extended working hours, weekly holidays and better working conditions. Workers at M&M Tractor unit raised slogans against the management and staged a sit-in protest which disrupted production at the facility for some time. Workers raised concerns over alleged PF deductions, workplace safety, extended working hours, weekly holidays and employee welfare benefits. The protesters alleged that PF deductions were not being credited and demanded better benefits and working conditions in line with labour laws.

 

Police were deployed as the agitation intensified, with thousands of workers reportedly participating. Workers said the protest will continue until their demands are addressed by the management. The company officials told the workers that they would consider their demands but wanted two months time to sort things out. This time line was unacceptable for the workers, sources said. Protesting workers major demands included regular credit of Provident Fund (PF) deductions and implementation of Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) benefits. The workers also demanded an end to the practice of removing older temporary workers every three years without secure alternatives. Workers said that there are grievances regarding extended working hours, weekly holidays, workplace safety measures, and basic facilities inside the plant. Workers reported that discussions with the management had been ongoing for four months without a concrete resolution, prompting the sudden agitation. Protesters have stated that the demonstration will continue until the management accepts their demands in writing.