PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Aug 31: This month ended with yet another block closure at Tata Motors resulting in the suspension of production of heavy vehicles like trucks, tippers, and other multi-axle vehicles.
This was the fifth block closure in the month of August. Earlier, this month the company saw four such block closures wherein the production of heavy vehicles came to a grinding halt.
Workmen affected by block closure shall avail their privilege or casual leave for 50 per cent of the day and for the remaining half of the period they shall be paid their normal wages/salary by the company.
A company official said that it was a routine closure undertaken for necessary maintenance activities. It will also help in streamlining stock at the company.
Only limited workmen associated with emergency services have been called for work during the block closure.
They will have to be present otherwise full day’s salary will be deducted for the absent employees or officers and the day will be counted as employees’ leave.
Union sources revealed that the company was prompted to undertake block closure, due to declining work order.
Meanwhile, frequent block closures have affected the company’s ancillary units at Adityapur in the neighbouring Seraikela-Kharswan district.
The Jamshedpur plant of the auto major produces heavy commercial vehicles – trucks, trailers, tippers, buses and other multi-axle vehicles.
Sources said the Covid-19 induced pandemic was still impacting the automobile business.
Supply and transportation of spare parts from other places were still affected. This has also taken a toll on the production process.
