Understanding the Working Hours and Roles for GET Electrical at Tata Steel

Tata Steel, a prominent player in the Indian steel industry, operates with a dynamic approach to its working hours and job roles. This article delves into the nuances of these aspects, especially for engineers and technicians (GET Electrical) at the Tata Steel plant.

Standard Working Schedule

Typically, Tata Steel follows a standard working schedule from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is the baseline for regular shifts. However, for roles that involve production or operations, the working hours can be more flexible, including night shifts and weekend work.

Officer Role at Tata Steel

An officer in the GET Electrical role at Tata Steel is often bound by 24/7 responsibility. The standard working hours for a general shift can be 8 hours per day over 6 working days, or 9.5 hours on a 5-day working week. However, the reality of the job often falls beyond these standard hours.

Extended Working Hours

An officer in Tata Steel is rarely off duty. Emergency calls may require immediate presence at the workplace, and in some cases, they might need to work until 11:00 PM during shutdowns. In situations of equipment breakdown, officers have been known to work for up to 20 hours straight. Night shifts are also a common occurrence, and weekend work is not uncommon, challenging the myth of a two-day weekend break.

Clinical Case Studies

Officers often endure extended workdays, sometimes working 8 or even 9.5 hours daily, but the real challenge lies in the unpredictable nature of the job. Breakdowns and urgent issues can necessitate round-the-clock service, such as seen during a major equipment failure, where officers have worked continuously for 20 hours. Weekend calls and plant visitations are routine, and compensatory leave for working weekends is rarely granted.

Career Progression and Designations

There are two main routes for getting in as a GET at Tata Steel: campus recruitment and lateral recruitment. Through campus recruitment, one is designated as a Management Trainee Technical (MTT), while lateral recruits receive the Assistant Engineer Trainee (AET) designation for freshers. After a year of training, both MTT and AET are promoted to managerial positions, IL-5 for MTTs and IL-6 for AETs. Regardless of their designated role, officers at Tata Steel start their careers with a high level of responsibility and flexibility in their work schedules.

Pros and Cons of Working at Tata Steel

Despite the challenging nature of the job, Tata Steel remains a top destination in the Indian steel industry for individuals interested in engineering and technical roles. Some of the pros include strong job security and competitive salary packages. The cons include irregular working hours, the need for on-call duties, and the difficulty in claiming compensatory leave for working weekends.

Comparison with Other Steel Industries

Other steel industries in India often pay significantly less compared to Tata Steel. For GET roles, other companies typically offer half the salary and perks that Tata Steel provides, making the Tata Steel job more attractive despite the longer working hours and unpredictable schedules.

Conclusion

In summary, working at Tata Steel as a GET Electrical engineer involves a significant amount of responsibility and flexibility in work hours. While the job security and salary are compelling, the realities of the role often demand longer hours and irregular working conditions. For those willing to commit to the challenging aspects, Tata Steel remains one of the best places to work in the Indian steel industry.