The Grand Betrayal
SAGA OF ENDLESS WAIT FOR THE ERSTWHILE WORKERS OF M/S ATI LIMITED IN THE MATTER OF RETIREMENT CLAIM M/s Andaman Timber Industries L imited, popularly known as ATI had its plywood manufacturing factory at S hore P oint V illage near B ambooflat J etty in S outh A ndaman. The factory started sometime in the early 60’s with a modest two digit workforce, soon emerged as the frontrunner providing livelihood option, directly or indirectly to a majority of the population residing in rural S outh A ndamans. At its peak the factory operated in three shifts (round the clock) with strength of about 1200 workers who were paid wages over and above the rates fixed by G ovt. Workers too complemented the management’s generosity by their devotion towards work to the extent that plywoods manufactured at ATI were unarguably T he B est. Peoples swearing in the name of ATI plywoods for quality was in vogue. Such was the reputation of ATI during hey days. The symbiosis, churning out good...