Talcher Coal Mines Employees Protest Over Irregularities and Pay Issues

Talcher, Odisha : The Talcher Coal Mines Employees Protest, organized by the AITUC-affiliated Employees Union, took place in front of the Bhubaneswari Project Office. The protest highlighted serious concerns related to workplace irregularities, employee deployment, and welfare issues.

Talcher Coal Mines Employees Protest Seeks Probe Into Illegal Activities

According to the union’s claims, reports have surfaced about illegal activities in the Bhubaneswari OCP. The union demanded a thorough investigation into these allegations.

• Union seeks probe into alleged irregularities in Bhubaneswari OCP

• Calls for accountability and transparency in operations

Concerns Over Misuse of Promotions and Employee Deployment

The protestors raised concerns about some promoted underground employees including Tindal and Gots Mistry (head mechanic/fitter)—who are posted at the OCP but allegedly not performing their assigned duties.

• Union demands cadre change or transfer of inactive employees to underground mines

• Highlights unfair deployment and misuse of promotion system

Talcher Coal Mines Employees Protest Against Role Misalignment

The union highlighted cases where Dumper Operators and Pay Loader Drivers were serving as Loading Clerks and Time Keepers in the Time Office while retaining higher-grade benefits.

• Employees enjoy promotions not aligned with their current work

• Union demands reinstatement to original positions

• Calls for cancellation of wrongly processed promotions

Demand for Equal Pay and Fair Overtime Benefits

The union criticized discrepancies in overtime pay and leave benefits among departments such as Stores, Finance, and others.

• Clerks and accountants enjoy full overtime and leave benefits

• Workers in other departments receive limited paid leave

• Protesters demand uniform pay for Sunday and holiday work

Ward Boys Assigned to Mines Instead of Dispensary

Protestors alleged that Ward Boys were deployed in mining areas instead of serving in the Bhubaneswari Dispensary.

• Union demands reassignment of Ward Boys to medical units

• Calls for fair staffing across health and support departments

Allegations of Unfair Housing Allotment

The Talcher Coal Mines Employees Protest also highlighted issues of unfair housing distribution under the Talcher Area Manager.

• Employees allegedly obtained quarters through unfair means

• Union demands investigation and cancellation of unjust allotments

• Requests that only eligible staff retain official housing

Call for Rotational Duties and Accountability

The protestors demanded rotational duty systems for all Bhubaneswari OCP employees. They alleged that some junior staff report attendance only on Sundays or paid leave days.

• Union seeks proper deployment and attendance monitoring

• Calls for redeployment of idle staff to active departments

Misuse of Casual Labour and Authority Alleged

The protest drew attention to irregular work assignments and alleged misuse of authority by certain officers.

• Officers reportedly use casual workers for personal tasks

• Union demands strict disciplinary action and inquiry

AITUC Leadership Joins Talcher Coal Mines Employees Protest

AITUC leaders including President Samir Behera, Secretary Diptimayee Sahu, and members Muna Sahu and Pramod Parida led the protest, calling for justice, transparency, and equal treatment of all employees.