Tangedco move to hire retired staff draws flak

The move to appoint the retired employees has been strongly opposed by the trade union which is seeking filling up of 42,000 vacancies in various categories in the corporation. In the Tangedco proceedings No 61 dated April 13, it said that due to non-recruitment of certain categories and non-filling up of vacancies on retirement in certain categories in various offices, the retired willing employees were utilised on a daily wage basis on the needy areas on various rates.

“Now, it has been decided to fix uniform rates for each cadre towards utilising retired persons on a daily wage basis. Also, the Chief Engineers concerned are entrusted to issue orders towards utilisation of services of retired employees in their offices based on the vacancies in the sanctioned strength, except the appointment of “Officer on Special Duty or Consultant or Special Officer” are dealt with Secretariat Branch,” it said.

The daily wage for officers category postings varies from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 a day. While in the workmen category postings, the retired persons will get a daily wage ranging between Rs 300 and Rs 400 per day.

Raising objection to the board proceeding streamlining appointment of retired employees, Central Organisation of Tamil Nadu Electricity Employees president T Jayasankar, in a letter to the CMD of Tangedco, sought immediate withdrawal of the BP No 61. “We had held several protests in the past to fill up 42,000 vacancies as it is increasing workload on the serving employees. Rather than recruiting new employees, Tangedco has resorted to placing retired employees to the post. The latest BP allows appointment of retired employees in all the posts except Class-I postings like CE, SE and EE. It creates an apprehension whether the corporation wants to run its operation through retired employees?” he said, pointing out that such a move would create huge disappointment among educated youth.

Pointing out the managements continue to unilaterally abolishing posts and creating new posts and changing the working conditions in violation of the labour laws and tripartite agreement, the union leader asked the CMD not to implement the orders until talks are held with the unions. “I urge you not push the workers to resort to direct actions in the present situation,” he noted.