KOLLAM: The pro-UDF trade unions of Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) have laid the blame on the CITU for disrupting a move by the management to slash the price of Titanium Dioxide, which has resulted in over 4,600 tonnes of the pigment stock remaining unsold. Interestingly,the INTUC had joined with the CITU and other Left trade unions in objecting the move to slash prices in February this year.The leaders of the INTUC, UTUC(B) and STU of KMML, Chavara criticised the CITU at a press meet here on Tuesday, alleging that the CITU’s protest resulted in the management stepping back from a move to reach a ‘Market Acceptable Price for Titanium Dioxide’ pigment by considering the fluctuations in the international market. As the price was not revised, about Rs 100 crore worth pigment is still stocked in company godowns. Asked about the change in the stand of INTUC and pro- UDF unions, which had earlier objected the price hike, R Jayakumar, general secretary of the INTUC union, said that a discussion was held with the management and trade unions after the row over price revision kicked up. “The decision threw light on the need to slash prices considering the fluctuations in the international market. Even then the CITU union continued to object the move,” he said.“He said that CITU and other pro-LDF unions had been attempting to sabotage the developmental projects initiated in the company by the UDF Government,” he said.The pro-UDF unions also threw the weight behind executive director C J George. They said that C J George was elevated to the post and his term was extended after retirement during the previous government’s term. “The production increased during 2005-2011 period when he was in charge of the production department,” they said. “It is paradoxical that the CITU has raised objection against him continuing in the post,” they said.P Raghunatha, general secretary of UTUC-B union and S Raghunadha Kurukkal of STU of KMML-TP unit also spoke.
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