By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service
Bangalore: Inspired by an increasing order-book, probably signaling the arrival of 'good times,' the BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd now wants to steer clear BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (BATL) of all man-made mess. This follows a spate of internal dissidence by a small section of employees rooting for a trade union – a move put aside by the Kerala Government by exempting BATL out of the ambit of the Trade Union Act.
Sources now admit to Express that the decision to stop trade union activities has created a lot of discomfort to some employees. “After the BrahMos take over of KELTEC, many roles have undergone changes, which is the root cause of all problems. But these changes are inevitable for the growth of a Company. We are now talking with confidence about Kerala possibly making one of the best supersonic missiles in the world and this requires a professional roll call,” sources said.
With raining orders from multiple aerospace and defence firms in India, sources say that Kerala will be the biggest beneficiary, if BATL is allowed to work professionally. “Patience is the key and the defence industry is no child's play. It can't be run with union rifts and other unacceptable work culture. Let the BATL grow, along with it the employees will grow and the State too will grow. We are making missiles and not paper planes. It is a serious business," sources said.
Sources say that last year the BATL gave Rs 17,000 as ex-gratia to every employee, irrespective of the class, despite the Company not making much profit. But the employees are now demanding a salary on par with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). “Kerala is a charged place and we know the sensitives involved in dealing with people. In the last couple of years we have seen BATL streamlining the workforce and documentation of processes. They (BATL) have added so many new machines worth over Rs 40 crore. More people have joined. Today we have been informed that the Company doesn't have any liabilities and have paid back all the loans,” sources said.
Sources say that Delhi is keen to have one single union without any external influence. “We are not averse to employees having a joint platform, but it has to be one that aids Company's growth and brand image. With additional orders, the the Industry in Kerala will be biggest winner as BATL moves forward,” sources said.
100th Vikas engine: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) received its 100th Vikas engine on Monday (Jan 30). The engine was handed over to the director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at a low-key event at BATL. It was the 20th Vikas engine manufactured by BATL and 100th ISRO received so far. Vikas engine plays a crucial role during the lift-off of space vehicles (GSLV & PSLV). Another 10 more units are to be delivered by BATL and it is the only Company that manufactures the complete engine under one roof. Each engine is worth about Rs 1 crore.
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