Lockout at Andhra Paper Mill

Workers protest sudden shutdown

Established in 1964, the Andhra Paper Mill has been a key industrial pillar in East Godavari, producing writing and printing paper and supporting a large workforce directly and indirectly

metro india news  I rajahmahendravaram

A sudden lockout at the long-standing Andhra Paper Limited unit in Kadiyam has pushed hundreds of workers and their families into uncertainty, raising fresh concerns over industrial stability in the region. The management on Saturday issued messages directing permanent employees not to report for duty and pasted a formal lockout notice at the factory gate, catching the workforce off guard.

The development follows a five-day strike by contract workers, who have accused the management of failing to implement revised wage agreements for the past three years. Workers allege that repeated appeals for negotiations were ignored, forcing them to resort to agitation. Instead of entering talks, the management’s decision to declare a lockout has now escalated tensions, with even permanent employees finding their livelihoods at risk.

The issue has quickly drawn political and administrative attention. Rajahmundry Rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary extended support to the protesting workers and criticised the management’s move as unjustified. He assured labourers that he would personally intervene and hold discussions with the company to seek a resolution. Labour department officials are also expected to visit the unit to assess the situation and explore possible mediation.

Trade unions, including leaders affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), have strongly condemned the lockout, alleging that it was a deliberate attempt to suppress workers ahead of May Day. They have demanded immediate withdrawal of the notice and initiation of dialogue.

Established in 1964, the Andhra Paper Mill has been a key industrial pillar in East Godavari, producing writing and printing paper and supporting a large workforce directly and indirectly. The lockout comes at a time when the company had reportedly planned a major modernisation drive with an investment of around ₹3,400 crore, making the sudden shutdown all the more unexpected.

The incident also reflects a broader pattern of industrial distress in the region. The recent closure of the Parry Sugars Factory in Kakinada due to mounting losses had already raised alarm bells. With the Andhra Paper Mill now facing disruption, concerns are mounting over the future of industrial activity and employment in the erstwhile East Godavari district.