RMMS objects to Khatau Mills agreement

The RMMS has objected to the agreement, saying though it was the recognised union, neither the management nor the Congress-NCP government consulted it before signing the agreement. “We feel Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh should convene a meeting with the management and explain the circumstances under which the agreement was signed,” RMMS president Sachin Ahir said.

Ahir, also an NCP legislator, said during RMMS’ meeting with the CM last month, the RMMS had suggested that if the management was reluctant to reopen the unit, the government should take it over. If that was also not possible, the government should take the lead in disposing off the surplus land at Borivli to generate funds for payment of arrears. “Deshmukh had agreed to our proposal and asked the textile secretary to examine its pros and cons,” Ahir said.

Ahir said though invitations were sent to Panna Khatau, she did not attend the meetings convened by the CM. “It was unfortunate that at a juncture when the CM was seized of the matter, Labour Minister Husain Dalwai took the lead in reaching a compromise between the management and GKSS, which has no locus standi,” Ahir said, adding the proposal on which an agreement was reached was submitted by RMMS two years ago. However, it was then opposed by the GKSS.

Ahir said since the RMMS is a recognised union under the Bombay Industrial Relations Act, the agreement signed by Khatau Mills with the GKSS has no legal validity.