[Letter to Mr Minoo Masani]

Summary

This two-page letter, dated 26 February 1968 and signed by R. B. Mishra, raises an industrial-relations dispute at the Ferro Manganese Plant at Joda, an Orissa-based TISCO concern. Mishra reports that two rival trade unions operate at the plant and are on poor terms, while local authorities allegedly favour one union and dislike the other, producing dissatisfaction and claims of victimisation.

Mishra expresses support for private enterprise and praises TISCO’s Resident Director, Mr. Modi, but asks Minoo Masani to use his influence to secure industrial peace. He suggests that, if necessary, the dispute could be resolved through a secret ballot or a fresh election of trade-union office-bearers, and requests action for both the mining area and Orissa as a whole.

Key points

• The letter concerns labour unrest at TISCO’s Ferro Manganese Plant at Joda in Keonjhar district, Orissa.
• Two rival trade unions are functioning at the plant and have a hostile relationship.
• Mishra alleges that local TISCO authorities favour one union and discriminate against the other.
• The alleged partiality has caused dissatisfaction, discontent, and reports of victimisation.
• Mishra praises private enterprise and describes TISCO’s Resident Director, Mr. Modi, as capable and tactful.
• He asks Minoo Masani to persuade the authorities to restore industrial peace.
• A secret ballot or fresh union elections are proposed as possible remedies.