Udupi: The unexpected lock out of Suzlon Company Energy Limited at Padubidri came as a surprise for the staff who came to work on Nov 14,Tuesday morning.

The company, located in Padubidri, has alleged that the loss and also GST implications were reasons for its decision on lock out. There are more than 600 workers employed at the firm. However, the company’s decision to stop functioning was a shock to the employees as it is unexpected. The notice was issued at around 3 am, where the Company put up a notice announcing its decision to shut down. Following the decision, nearly 600 employees, of whom 326 employees worked on a regular basis and the remaining were on contract, were deeply shocked.

The reason cited by the company for the decision is the reluctance of the labourers to cooperate and also illegal activities of the labourers. The notice is signed by the Suzlon plant head Dakshinamurthy.

Udupi DC Priyanka Mary Francis held a meeting with the representatives of the company management, labour leaders, leaders of political parties and police on the issue of lockout by SEL rotor blade manufacturing unit at the District Offices Complex.

Speaking to media DC Francis said that the administration had told the company management that its decision to announce a lockout without a 14-day notice to the workers was illegal. It was against the principles of natural justice. She had also spoken to the Labour Secretary who told her that the permission of the government also had to be taken.