Hutti Gold Mines Trade Union Elections on June 21: CIT(U) Candidate S.M. Shafi Promises Reforms, Worker Welfare, and Safer Conditions

Veteran unionist calls for an end to contract jobs, better ventilation, and full staffing to protect workers.

  

CIT(U) General Secretary candidate Comrade S.M. Shafi addressing Hutti Gold Mines employees during the union election campaign. Image : @MdHanif

 The Hutti Gold Mines Company is set to hold its much-anticipated trade union elections on June 21, 2025. Ahead of the polls, veteran trade union leader and CIT(U) candidate for the post of General Secretary, Mr. S.M. Shafi, has unveiled a bold reform agenda aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of the mine’s workforce.

Speaking at a press conference held at the CIT(U) party office in Hutti, Shafi criticized the current state of employment practices and working conditions in the mines. He pledged to abolish the contractual system that, according to him, has eroded job security, and vowed to push for permanent employment opportunities for all eligible workers.

“Contract jobs deprive workers of stability, dignity, and essential benefits. If elected, I will ensure that permanent, fair employment becomes the standard in Hutti Gold Mines,” Shafi declared.

Left: Mr. K. Mahantesh (Advocate, High Court, Bangalore & Candidate for President) | Right: Comrade S.M. Shafi (Candidate for General Secretary) with CITU logo. Image: @Yemnoorkattimani

Shafi also proposed the implementation of a new "Unfit Worker Welfare Scheme" to assist employees who are medically unfit due to the risks associated with mining. He highlighted the urgent need for modern ventilation systems in the underground tunnels to improve air quality and reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases caused by dust and diesel emissions.

“Diesel-powered machinery is not only outdated but dangerous,” he stated. “It’s affecting the health of our workers and even causing fatalities. We need cleaner, safer technology in these mines.”

Another major concern raised was the workforce shortage at the mining facility. Shafi pointed out that over 400 job positions remain vacant, leading to excessive workloads and pressure on the current staff. “This level of understaffing is unsustainable and inhumane. Management must act quickly to fill these posts if they are serious about production targets and worker welfare,” he said.

Shafi, a seasoned unionist with over four decades of experience, previously worked under the AITUC banner but has since aligned with CIT(U) following what he described as ideological differences. “I joined CIT(U) at the request of workers who believe in change. I have been fighting for miners' rights my entire life, and I intend to continue that fight stronger than ever.”

He also confirmed that meetings have already taken place with key state leaders, including Minister N.S. Boseraju and District In-Charge Minister Sharanprakash Patil. He said the response from government officials has been positive, and further discussions are expected to push reforms forward.

The press meet was attended by fellow CIT(U) candidates K. Mahantesh (President), Ramesh Veerapur (Vice-President), and Mohammed Hanif (also vying for General Secretary), all of whom voiced strong support for Shafi’s proposals and shared their own commitment to the workers’ cause.

Author: Mohammed Hussain