On May 20, 2025, workers at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant initiated a strike in protest against RINL's management actions including issuing show-cause notices to union leaders and suspending workers for organizing, alongside longstanding grievances over massive layoffs and no recruitment over five years.

Contract workers at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, have launched an indefinite strike starting May 20. The strike comes in response to repressive measures by management, including termination of contract workers, a 25% salary cut, non-payment of HRA, and increased power tariffs, which trade unions claim are aimed at undermining worker rights and facilitating privatization efforts.

Workers at the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant went on strike on May 20, protesting extensive labor rights abuses including illegal dismissals, suspension of union leaders, and no recruitment over the past five years, amid concerns over a proposed privatization tie-up with ArcelorMittal.

The SBI board approved a comprehensive restructuring plan for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) that includes lowering interest rates, easing margin requirements, and notably reducing contractual staff, as part of efforts to stabilize the company through government-backed capital infusion.

The Government of India approved an infusion of Rs 11,440 crore as equity and preferential capital to revive Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). This decision, which followed concerns raised by trade unions and industry stakeholders, aims to stabilize the financially distressed state-owned steel producer by boosting operational efficiency and protecting jobs.

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) reinstated 4,200 contract workers effective September 29, 2024, after a two-day protest by the workers outside the Executive Director's office and intervention from the Regional Labour Commissioner. The reinstatement follows earlier terminations and comes amid union demands for restoring the old gate pass system and addressing issues with allowances.

Workers and unions at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant protested against an alleged board decision to contract with Jindal Company for operating Blast Furnace III, arguing that the move would harm their interests and result in economic losses for the plant.

On April 14, 2023, the central government announced that it would not proceed with the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Instead, the government plans to strengthen Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited by engaging with management, worker unions, and other stakeholders. This decision comes amid strong opposition from VSP employees and non-BJP political parties, and is seen as a move to safeguard public assets and protect the rights of workers.

Hundreds of employees of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, supported by trade unions and political parties including the ruling YSR Congress, held a protest rally opposing the proposed divestment and privatization of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. Protestors demanded that the government withdraw its privatization plan to protect workers' rights and preserve the established profitability of the steel plant.