As the very character of the newspaper business has changed, the need for a strong partnership between the employees' union and the management will become even more critical in the years to come, K. Balaji, Managing Director of Kasturi and Sons Ltd., publishers of The Hindu , said here on Tuesday. “Leaders on both sides, whoever they may be, must work to improve the level of understanding of each other's roles,” he added.
Speaking at a meeting that marked the 55th anniversary of The Hindu Office and National Press Employees' Union, Mr. Balaji said there had been significant changes in the organisation over the last 18 months and most people had adjusted quite quickly to the new realities of the process of professionalisation under way.
“It is my strong view that professionalisation will create more opportunities for those who are talented and hard-working. And those who perform will get the recognition they deserve,” he said.
While expressing confidence that the company would move to a higher growth trajectory at a faster pace in the coming months, he said that “every employee must be aware of his or her duties and responsibilities in the larger context of the organisation.” The needs and aspirations of all the stakeholders could be fulfilled only if the organisation grew.
“ The Hindu is a national asset. We have been given the privilege and the task of not only preserving it but also enhancing its value,” he added.
President of the Union E. Gopal said that while responsible workers and a responsive management has been the strong binding factor at The Hindu , those in middle management should remain a bridge between the two to further strengthen the bond.
General secretary M. Kamalanathan said that the middle management should act without prejudice against the workers.
Directors of Kasturi and Sons Limited K. Venugopal, Ramesh Rangarajan, Vijaya Arun and Lakhmi Srinath, and office bearers of the union G. Kumar, P.R. Perumal, S. Martin Thomas and P. Jayarathinam, were present at the event.
