The labor shortage has become a major challenge for industry in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts.
Although the government allowed most industries to continue production, both large and medium-sized industries have difficulty adjusting staff and workers for three shifts.
There are 35 large industries and 300 small and medium-sized industries in these two districts.
It is observed that many industries are operated with only 70% workers. Over 800 employees and workers in the Pydibhimavaram-Pusapatirega industrial zone have tested positive in the past three weeks.
It frightened other employees, and some of them requested long vacations. The lack of transportation for workers from nearby towns and villages has also become another obstacle for companies to maintain sufficient labor in their respective factories.
“We asked existing employees to work 12 hours instead of eight hours. They receive additional wages and incentives. Somehow production has continued so far without any obstacles, ”said a senior executive of a company at Pusapatirega in the Vizianagaram district.
According to the government ordinance issued on May 5th, the industries involved in essential and continuous processes can operate around the clock.
The other industries should only employ one shift and the workers should be laid off by 2 p.m. The industries in construction only need to work one shift so workers can get home early.
Industries were advised to self-certify and provide details of workers, shifts and other people to the General Managers District Industrial Center-Srikakulam.
The industry department will ensure approval for vehicles and their movement even during curfew. “We have instructed the industry to strictly adhere to the COVID protocols. The measures to prevent COVID-19 must also be informed by the industrial department, ”said B. Gopala Krishna, General Manager of Srikakulam District Industries Center.
CITU State Vice President D. Govinda Rao urged factories to provide all employees with special risk prevention and £ 50 insurance coverage.
He also insisted on a worker transportation facility as the buses are only operated for managers and employees.