High Court orders regularization of 370 SAIL Bokaro workers

he petition, filed by the Jharkhand Krantikari Mazdoor Union (JKMU), affiliated to Unions United, concerned workers employed across key production units of the Bokaro steel plant. Each of the affected workers had been employed for more than seven years.

The union first raised the dispute in 2006, and the Industrial Tribunal ruled in favour of the workers. However, management appealed to the High Court, which has now upheld the earlier decision where the Industrial Tribunal ordered the permanent absorption of the workers, along with full wages and benefits.

Gautam Mody, convenor of Unions United, called the judgment as a "landmark victory for India's working people."

"More than 10,000 precarious workers at SAIL's Bokaro steel plant perform in perennial jobs under hazardous conditions, yet remain denied regular employment, fair wages, and basic protections. Despite repeated recommendations for their regularization, the company continues to exploit them through contractors, suppress union efforts, and perpetuate insecurity and discrimination. This verdict reaffirms that those who build and sustain our industries deserve secure and dignified employment. Our fight against precarious work will continue until every worker wins justice, rights, and a future rooted in dignity and security."

Said Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary:
"This judgment is a powerful affirmation that the workers who have sustained India's steel industry for decades must not remain precarious. SAIL must uphold dignity, equality and permanent employment for those doing permanent work."