George Alexander Muthoot, managing director of Muthoot Finance Ltd, staged a sit-in in front of the head office of the finance corporation in Kochi, Kerala, demanding that the employees of the company be allowed to enter the office and function.
According to media reports, several employees of the company, under the aegis of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), have been staging an agitation against the company since August 20. Their demands include framing of a salary structure, bonus for the employees and an end to the alleged victimisation of the members of Muthoot Finance Employees’ Union (MFEU), among others. The agitating employees were warned by the finance corporation that the company would be forced to shut down branches that are non-operational due to the protest, leading to fear of job losses.
On Tuesday, dramatic scenes unfolded in front of the head office as George Alexander sat down in protest against the ongoing agitation and demanded that the left-leaning CITU allow employees who are willing to go against the strike call and work. There was a confrontation between employees who wanted to work and those that are part of the agitation. A few employees had demanded that they be allowed to enter the office. However, the CITU objected to this and said the organisation would not allow the employees to work.
After they were not permitted to enter the office, a few employees approached the police. When they tried to enter the office under police protection, the agitators stopped them, leading to an altercation.
The management of the finance corporation claimed that all the employees of the head office are opposed to the CITU-led agitation. According to a Malayala Manorama report, deputy general manager of Muthoot Finance Ltd, Babu John, claimed that the protest is staged by those who are not part of the company. He also said the employees are against the agitation.
In 2016 too, there was an indefinite strike against Muthoot Finance Ltd, which is one of the largest gold financing companies in the country. The strike, which lasted for 17 days, was called in protest against the move to transfer and suspend many employees following unionisation of Muthoot employees.
