The management of Sterlite Copper has managed to keep the 900-odd permanent employees of its Thoothukudi plant intact and active by a combination of relocation, re-skilling and through a redeployment exercise, even as its unit at the location has remained shut for over six months under a State government order.
The mid-career staff, who are subject matter experts in their respective domain areas, have been released on short-term deputations and transfers to other units of the Vedanta group in India and abroad. Sources said they were sent on deputations to leading units of Vedanta such as Hindustan Zinc — India’s largest zinc producer — and Vedanta Aluminium — among India’s largest aluminium producers. “They are engaged in supporting ongoing expansion projects and facilitating knowledge sharing at these units,” a top source in Vedanta group said.
Entry-level employees have been deputed to other units for further skill development and cross-functional training, sources said.
These programmes, it is pointed out, enable them develop skills outside their core areas. Employees with experience in copper manufacturing technologies are reportedly deputed to other group firms to work on other technologies in aluminium, zinc, steel and the like. Sterlite sources were hopeful of a final ruling on the closure by the National Green Tribunal by this month.