Pune: The production at three defence manufacturing units in Pune came to a halt on Tuesday, as over 7,000 workers joined a nationwide protest to oppose the proposed corporatisation of the ordnance factories.
The defence civilian workers began a month-long protest from Tuesday at the main gates of the Ammunition Factory and High Explosives Factory in Khadki and the Ordnance Factory in Dehu Road.
The All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) affiliated with Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) of Communist Party of India, Indian National Defence Workers’ Federation (INDWF) affiliated to Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) of Indian National Congress and Bhartiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS), which is part of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) of the RSS, are participating in the protest.
A labour union office-bearer told Sakal Times that the strike was 100 per cent successful in all 10 factories in Maharashtra including three in Pune. The BPMS representatives also met activist Anna Hazare in Ahmednagar district.
Saurabh Kumar, Chairman of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) said the month-long strike has been undertaken to oppose the proposed corporatisation of the ordnance factories. It is, however, emphasised that the proposed policy of corporatisation of ordnance factories is aimed at providing greater flexibility in day-to-day functioning; increased operational freedom and autonomy in decision making leading to enhanced productivity.
What is OFB?
OFB is a subordinate/attached office of the Department of Defence Production. It has 41 ordnance factories, 9 training institutes, 3 regional marketing centres, and 4 regional controllers of safety working under it. Ordnance factories have over 82,000 workers.
The principal products of OFB include tanks and armoured vehicles, artillery guns, small arms and weapons of several types and ammunition. It also produces troop comfort equipment like uniforms, tents, boots, etc.
The ordnance factories were set up as ‘captive centres’ to serve the needs of the Armed Forces, but have been facing the performance issues.
Concerns have been raised over the functioning of OFB which lacks professional attitude.
