As Local Sentiments Turn, Sterlite Asks Employees To Report Back To Work; Forms ‘Twitter Response Force’ 

Over a month and a half after its plant in Thoothukudi was sealed on Tamil Nadu government’s orders, Sterlite Copper’s CEO Ramnath through an email directed all its employees to report to the its quarters, The Hindu has reported.

A company spokesperson said Sterlite wanted to ensure that the employees do not sit idle for long and that the time would be utilised for logistics, procurement, marketing, PR and other aspects of the business.

“The company has been paying them even though there is no work currently. The management would discuss the future course of action,” he said.

Biometric attendance machines were installed to record the attendance and vehicles were arranged to pick up the employees from their homes for the assembly. The activities would be held at the ‘clubhouses’ within the quarters.

The move comes at the heels of changing local sentiments, with several local groups having sought the resumption of operations at the plant. The company is reportedly keen to capitalise on the changing scenario.

The company has also reportedly set up a ‘Twitter Response Force’ to increase its outreach on social media to ensure that negative propaganda can be effectively countered.