Ahmedabad: More than 500 workers of Luby Company in the Memco area went on strike on Wednesday over issues related to overtime pay and salary hikes, disrupting operations at the factory for several hours before the agitation was called off following assurances from the management.

The workers alleged that despite earlier discussions regarding salary revisions, no decision had been taken on wage hikes and overtime-related demands. During the protest, employees reportedly created a ruckus, and the company gates were shut, preventing workers from leaving the premises for some time.

The strike was later withdrawn after the company management assured workers that their demands would be considered and an appropriate decision would be taken. Following the assurance, employees resumed work.

The protesting workers submitted a written memorandum of demands to the company’s production manager and general manager. The employees raised eight key demands related to wages, incentives, attendance rules and workplace conditions.

Among the major demands were an increase in the minimum salary from Rs 21,000 to Rs 25,000, an additional annual salary hike of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 over the existing agreement, timely payment of wages and incentives, and wage revisions based on seniority and pay scale.

The workers also demanded that production targets should not be increased after salary revisions, attendance rules should continue under the earlier system, and the company should provide free uniforms with logos and safety shoes to all permanent and contract workers.

In addition, employees sought safeguards against alleged threats or coercion by supervisors regarding termination from service.

One of the protesting workers alleged that employees were being paid wages far below the rates fixed by the government. He said, “While the government had set the daily wage at Rs 783, workers at the company were receiving only around Rs 502. Despite government norms mandating 50 per cent overtime pay, the company was paying only 25 per cent overtime.”

He also expressed resentment over high PF deductions, claiming that nearly Rs 2,400 was deducted from a monthly salary of Rs 12,000, leaving workers with inadequate income to manage household expenses, rent, food and children’s education fees.

Tensions reportedly escalated after the company issued a circular regarding changes in the salary structure, which angered employees. Workers also alleged that despite higher PF deductions, salaries were not being increased accordingly, and claimed that company gates were shut during the protest, keeping workers inside the premises for some time. DeshGujarat