12th August, Jalpaiguri: The North Bengal Industries Association approached the District Magistrate concerning the closure of a renowned biscuit factory in Jalpaiguri district, following friction between its owner and the employees. The owner and his association approached the DM as the problem could not be resolved even after holding several discussions since June 20.
Surajit Pal, General Secretary of the North Bengal Industries Association, on Wednesday, held the ruling party’s labor leader Tapan Dey responsible for the current situation.
“We thought of laying off 32 workers for their poor performance, following which a meeting was held with the BDO and Rajganj MLA Khageswar Roy to reopen the factory. But Dey is not willing to accept our decision,” Pal stated. Hence, they were compelled to approach the DM to seek a solution.
Meanwhile, Tapan Dey denied all the allegations and said that a meeting should be held with the DM, where he will highlight all the issues concerning the matter.
Dey alleged that as the owner appointed 50 external workers amid the lockdown and decided to lay off 32 local workers, he protested against it and stated that such a thing can be done only with a proper VRS (Voluntary retirement scheme).