After resigning my job in IISCO, I joined another company in Kolkata, a group of heavy engineering companies against the advertisement. I had two old friends from school, one was Chairman of the company. Second friend had joined six months before who guided me by making progress in the matter. None of the two favoured in any way. It was a tough selection as later told by my second friend. I was posted to JESSOP Ltd away from Head Office. The company was underperforming and facing much competition. The MD of Jssop carried differences with the Chairman and often got cornered. This nan was intelligent and sharp but often differed with boss. People below didn't like the posture but kept silent. One reason was easy working and many fringe benefits on company cost.
I was received by the MD in the office with warmth although my office was much inferior to my previous one. I tolerated and moved ahead after aquanting with all Directors. First day I felt very low and mostly kept sitting in my office just looking at people moving around. Security head who travelled with me from the Head Office after joining formalities was my guide for the first few days. Second day, the Manager (Personnel) became my guide for a few days. I was told that the Security Chief was under me but was confident of MD. Manager cautioned me. Similarly I was cautioned about activities by the Association President who bothered Directors for small matters and engaged Unions for creating disturbances. The President of the Association met me on the very first day and welcomed me with a taunt. I responded with appreciation for good work being done for the organization and reminded him of his engineering education. He was an intelligent person and quickly changed his talking manners with me. Other Directors noticed this and became cautious in talking to me. Manager (Per) also became more confident and serious in dealing in labour related matters.
In a week's time delay in labour payment cropped up as notice was issued by the Director(Production). He and the GM(Finance) were under gherao and I was summoned by the MD to tackle the issue. In a short while I understood and told workmen that payment could be released after receipt of money by finance. I also said no written commitment can be given and if insisted conditions of fund availability will be incorporated. I had seen the Association President sitting in the nearby cubicle and understood his game. Finally workmen dispersed and I chased Finance and got them paid within a week. Director (Prod) complained to the MD about getting insulted. I explained to MD how the Director(Prod) was trapped by the Association while cheque was being held by the President which was given to Finance after two days through a registered post. MD kept silent and perhaps was in knowledge of all that happened. Manager (Per) also confirmed this to me sane day after lunch.
I started visiting shops and acquainting with GMs in-Charges. I also met Union Representatives in shops as Senior leaders kept themselves busy in meetings in some offices or with some officials in the company. They only turned up in shops at lunchtime to have good pieces of fish, a must item in the lunch menu. This was never disturbed and even executives were getting the same treatment. It was a tradition which I later used to keep meetings inconclusive and prolonged.
Day to day issues in the personnel area were tackled by shop personnel officers. I was mainly concentrating on issues covering all employees. My front office was operated by the Asst Manager, who was a smart, strict and bold woman. She never permitted anyone to meet me without prior appointment. Firstly all tried to pressurise her but got strongly rebuffed and I was safe and secured. Union and Association office bearers also were kept at bay. Once during Bund call was given by Unions and she organised working from a nearby hotel lobby and got monitored the situation for the whole day. The Head Office couldn't believe this, but this woman stayed in their memory.
HRD activities were organised by the Manager (HRD) regularly and invited external Faculties to train people. Workshops were held for different levels of Executives and Managers. I also participated in programmes organised in the HRD Centre of Head Office managed by ED(HR). I started learning computers by myself with the help of the Deputy Manager (Personnel) attached to my Secretariat and was able to write letters and documents privately. Life also became busy while the Director (Technical) was appointed new MD. I started working with him with complete understanding and rarely HR issues landed on his table. In the meantime twice I negotiated successfully Annual Bonus payment without disturbing peace of the company. Unions and Association showed confidence in me. It was remarkable in a sick company. The Association President was made in-Charge of Coach Manufacturing which was the main earning shop and regular fortnightly review meetings were organised to track production and collect funds for wage and salary payments. No IR situation developed.
One fighting issue was privatisation being opposed by employees. Attempt was made to transfer Association President outside the plant being pressed by the government. This was aborted by a political leader attached to the Association. Finally the company was sold to a Private owner with all assets, liabilities and employees including Directors after my retirement. My old office building was turned into an office for all seniors who kept working and once I paid a visit to see them after becoming Chairman in the next company. My office Manager was engaged and paid without much work and got bored and finally quit. The Deputy Manager (Personnel) of my Secretariat quit just after my retirement and joined another company. Both kept in touch for many years and shared information about Jessop with heavy hearts. I retired on 31July,2002 with all retirement benefits before the company was handed over to the new owner. I was interviewed for the post of CMD in another company and got selected in May,2002 but the appointment letter came after ten months in August,2002. My working in JESSOP was highly exciting and full of challenges. I still remember the group of men and women full of enthusiasm and energy and working was like dreaming to run a company at any cost. My love for Kolkata, the City of Joy, continued.