RINL Staff Allege Rising Work Pressure
Employees of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), which operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), have voiced concerns over increasing work pressure and recent administrative changes, alleging that these are affecting both plant operations and employee morale.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several employees claimed that the management has been pushing for higher production despite inadequate maintenance support, shortages of essential resources, and a growing incidence of equipment failures.
According to plant sources, routine maintenance has received limited attention over the past three years, while a larger share of repair work has been outsourced to contractors whom employees describe as having limited technical experience. They alleged that these factors have increased the burden on the regular workforce, which continues to sustain production under challenging operating conditions.
Employees also flagged large-scale inter-departmental transfers, stating that nearly 100 personnel have been reassigned over the past year as part of a restructuring exercise. Several experienced employees, they said, have been moved to unfamiliar roles, including staff nearing retirement who were transferred from the Human Resources department to blast furnace units. According to the sources, some employees opted to resign rather than accept the transfers.
Another concern raised by employees relates to disciplinary procedures. They alleged that workers are being placed under suspension before preliminary inquiries are completed or charge memoranda are issued, a practice they contend differs from the procedures generally followed in government and private sector organisations.
Frequent review meetings were also cited as a source of concern. Employees said department heads spend a considerable part of their working day attending multiple review meetings, leaving limited time to oversee routine operational responsibilities. They added that these meetings are largely centred on production targets, with little opportunity to discuss operational challenges on the shop floor.
RINL management could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts. A response to the allegations was awaited at the time of publication.