CITU slams VSP move on insurance premium hike

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Visakhapatnam unit on Saturday criticised the management of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant for unilaterally increasing medical insurance premiums for its retired employees, terming the decision an “unfair financial burden” on the elderly.

In a joint statement, unit president U. Ramaswami and general secretary J. Ayodhya Ramu recalled the significant contribution of retired workers to the growth and development of the steel plant and strongly condemned the move. They said the decision had been taken without adequate consultation with stakeholders.

According to the statement, retired employees have been staging protests for the past 20 days, demanding a rollback of the premium hike. Despite submitting representations and bringing the issue to the notice of legislators and Members of Parliament, there has been no change in the management’s stand so far.

The leaders expressed concern that the revised premiums would place a heavy financial strain on retirees, many of whom depend solely on modest pensions. With healthcare costs on the rise, they said any additional burden would make it increasingly difficult for elderly employees to access essential medical services.

“Unfortunately, individuals who dedicated decades of service to the organisation are now being asked to shoulder higher medical expenses during their retirement years,” the leaders said.

They further pointed out that while the Centre and the state government are extending subsidies and relief measures to strengthen public healthcare access, the management’s decision runs contrary to such welfare-oriented initiatives.

Demanding immediate corrective action, the CITU leaders urged the management to withdraw the circular on the premium hike and restore the earlier system. They also called upon local MPs and MLAs to intervene in the matter and ensure that the interests and welfare of the retired workforce are protected.