ANOTHER LAYOFF…..
* Most workers laid off effective June 24, 2025.
* Production halted due to furnace shutdown order.
* The government banned the use of molten glass furnaces, requiring a costly rebuild.
* Laid-off workers to get compensation under the Industrial Disputes Act.
* Workers must mark daily attendance at the factory gate.
* Management cites financial constraints and high costs.
* Conciliation talks are underway over the union’s Charter of Demands.
* Management offers a ₹2,500 monthly raise plus VDA revision.
* Final settlement expected to be signed July 16.
Team Goemkarponn
Colvale: Goa Glass Fibre Ltd has announced the lay-off of nearly all its workmen after receiving an official directive prohibiting the use of its molten glass manufacturing furnace at the company’s Colvale facility.
According to an order issued by the Inspector of Factories and Boilers, Government of Goa (Order No. IFB/PM/DO/25)/Part-1/624 dated June 5, 2025), the furnace operations were suspended, leading to the solidification of molten glass inside the melter and necessitating a complete rebuild.
As a result, all manufacturing activities have been halted. The company said the lay-offs took effect from midnight on June 24 (SAP 1 shift/3rd shift of June 23). Only employees required for essential services such as stores, warehouse operations and maintenance have been retained.
Management has informed workers that compensation will be paid in accordance with Section 25C of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Laid-off employees have been instructed to mark daily attendance at the security gate, with Sundays designated as the weekly off.
Conciliation proceedings related to an industrial dispute over service conditions are ongoing before the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mapusa. Union representatives, including General Secretary Ganesh Atmaram Khandare and President Jayesh Mapari, are negotiating with company officials led by Vice President (Plant Operations) P.V.V.S. Rao and Senior Manager (HR) Sandra Rodrigues.
The union had earlier submitted a Charter of Demands seeking improved conditions and revised terms for the period April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2027. Management, citing financial constraints, rising input costs and the cost of furnace reconstruction, has proposed a consolidated monthly salary increase of ₹2,500 per worker, along with quarterly revisions of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).
Following discussions, the union has agreed to the proposal in principle. Both sides are expected to sign a final settlement under Section 12(3) of the Industrial Disputes Act at the next conciliation meeting scheduled for July 16.
On Friday, workers visited the Labour Office to discuss the developments and seek clarification on lay-off procedures, officials said.
