Calcutta: Jaya Shree Textiles, a part of Aditya Birla group's Grasim, has taken disciplinary action against nine employees, dismissing them from service after a strike in May cost the company an estimated Rs 3.9 crore.

The Rishra plant of Jaya Shree Textiles, which started operations in 1949, provides employment to 5,500 people and over the past two years has invested Rs 250 crore in expanding the factory. The company is a major player in the linen and wool segments.

According to a statement from Jaya Shree Textiles, in May the Rishra unit had faced a flash strike accompanied by hooliganism, illegal confinement of managers, destruction of property and violence.

The labour disturbance began as a protest against the introduction of biometric attendance and the management's firm stance against union interference in recruitment and shop floor discipline.

The firm said that 24 workmen were initially suspended. However, after a review by the state labour department and the district administration, the suspension of 15 were revoked.

Subsequently, based on inquiry reports, the company has dismissed nine employees from December 1, 2017 after being found guilty of charges of hooliganism, the company said.

"Our reputation and that of Bengal as a destination for investment depends on how well the industrial culture of discipline is upheld," the company said in a statement.

According to employees, the strike in May was on account of a Rs 6 hike in daily wage from January onwards. The management was not in favour of any increase.

According to an INTTUC union member at the Rishra unit, the dismissed members would appeal with the state labour department.

"Production is on but there is tension among workers. The unions want to speak about the benefit of the workers without closing the unit," the union member said.