Shiv Sena (UBT) Goa delegation under leadership of Rajya Pramukh Jitesh Kamat met the agitating workers of Nestlé India today at Maulinguem, who have been on an indefinite strike for the last three months demanding the reinstatement of workers allegedly terminated illegally by the company. Delegation prominently comprising of Information & Publicity coordinator Pratik Shirodkar, Bicholim Taluka Vice President Gangesh Gawas & Shivsainik Deepesh Naik.
Union leader Anand Shirodkar informed the delegation that since the post-COVID period, Nestlé has been systematically removing active union members in an attempt to dismantle the workers’ union and discourage unionization. Despite a court ruling in favor of the terminated workers, ordering the company to reinstate them, Nestlé has yet to comply—amounting to clear contempt of court.
Workers also reported a lack of support from the labour department. Despite assurances from the Assistant Labour Commissioner to organize a joint meeting with Nestlé management, no action has been taken. Even after escalations to the Labour Commissioner, Labour Secretary, and the Chief Minister himself—who directed the Assistant Commissioner to act—the officer in question has failed to take any concrete steps. The workers allege collusion between the Assistant Labour Commissioner and the company management.
Addressing the media, Shiv Sena UBT Rajyapramukh Jitesh Kamat expressed grave concern over the illegal terminations and condemned Nestlé’s blatant disregard for court orders. “It is extremely unfortunate that our youth are being thrown out of their jobs illegally. Even more shocking is that a multinational company is refusing to follow judicial orders,” he said.
He further criticized the state administration, calling it a “complete failure” that a government official is disobeying the Chief Minister’s explicit directions. “This is not just administrative negligence; it is aiding and abetting illegal actions,” he added.
Kamat issued a stern warning to Nestlé and government officials: if the terminated workers are not reinstated within 15 days, the party will stage a massive protest at Azad Maidan along with the workers and their families.
Shiv Sena (UBT) stands in full solidarity with the striking workers and will intensify its agitation until justice is served, stated Kamat.