Leadership qualities among young trade union leaders was stressed upon on Saturday, the inaugural of the two-day function to end the centenary year’s celebration of Tata Workers’ Union (TWU) at the Michael John Auditorium in Bistupur.

“In today’s time there is a need for leadership development of Tata Workers’ Union to cope and adapt to changing times,” said Tata Steel global MD and CEO T.V. Narendran, the chief guest of the conclave “Tomorrow’s Union” held as part of the centenary celebration’s closing event.

“The company (Tata Steel) has completed 112 years and TWU 100 years. Another Tata Group company in the city (Tinplate) completing 100 years. Each (institution) has a bit of history which has made them stand afloat during difficult times. It proves their adaptability to change,” he said.

Admitting that fresh challenges would emerge with each passing year due to technological advancement and changing business needs, Narendran said: “TWU and Tata Steel need to stand strong... company shareholders want better profit and employees and trade union want a better deal. Jamshedpur is the responsibility of Tata Steel and there is lot of expectation...but it can be fulfilled only when company earns profit. The union (TWU) has to act as a bridge between management and employees.”

He said the last quarter of the fiscal the market had been a bit sluggish with the added effect of the coronavirus but hoped the steel sector would revive with the Centre’s emphasis on infrastructure.

He also gave indications of some changes in the HR sector, for instance a rethink on the furlough leaves.