HMT Employees Seek MP's Help to Break Logjam Over Revival Package, Salary Delays

Employees of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) at Kalamassery have approached Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, seeking his intervention to resolve the prolonged financial crisis at the public sector unit. The HMT Employees Union, affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), submitted a memorandum to Mr. Brittas on Saturday, urging the Centre to implement the long-pending revival package for the unit.

The memorandum highlighted that salaries have been delayed continuously, causing hardship to workers. It also drew attention to the fact that despite assurances given by Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy during a meeting in December 2025, the revival package has not been implemented even after seven months.

The union stated that Mr. Brittas assured the employees that he would take up the matter with the Central government. The memorandum noted that the unit is currently facing a shortage of working capital and manpower, which has hampered production despite the availability of orders worth ₹52 crore. This, the union said, indicates the unit's potential to function effectively if adequate support is provided.

In addition, the suspension of employee bus services from August 1 and delays in retirement benefits for several former employees have worsened the situation. The union has demanded immediate action to address these issues and ensure the smooth functioning of the unit.

HMT, a central public sector enterprise, has been struggling financially for years. The Kalamassery unit, situated in Kochi, is among the company's key manufacturing facilities. Over the years, workers have consistently raised concerns about delayed wages, lack of investment, and the threat of closure. The revival package, which was announced after prolonged deliberations, is considered essential for the unit's survival.

The employees' union has expressed hope that Mr. Brittas's intervention will expedite the release of the package. It has also stressed that the management and the government must take immediate steps to restore normal functioning and address the grievances of both current and former employees.

Mr. Brittas, known for taking up public interest issues, has reportedly assured the delegation that he will pursue the matter with the appropriate authorities. The development comes at a time when many public sector undertakings are undergoing restructuring, and workers fear for their livelihoods.

The union's move is part of a broader campaign by HMT workers' unions across the country to secure the implementation of revival plans and ensure job security. The delay in implementing the package has not only affected the Kalamassery unit but also other HMT facilities, which face similar challenges.

While the government has reiterated its commitment to supporting public sector enterprises, the gap between announcements and implementation has often led to frustration among workers. In the case of HMT, the pending revival package is a critical test of the government's stance on preserving jobs in the public sector.

As the employees await a response, they have urged the leadership of the union to continue pressing for a time-bound action plan. The situation at HMT Kalamassery also highlights the larger issue of the sustainability of public sector units in a competitive market and the need for timely policy interventions.

The coming weeks are expected to be crucial, as the union plans to escalate the matter if no concrete progress is made. The workers have made it clear that they are willing to cooperate with management to improve productivity, but they expect the government to honour its commitments.