Talks fail, strike at Maruti's Manesar plant continues

Talks fail, strike at Maruti's Manesar plant continues



The strike at Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant continued for the 10th day on Monday as talks between the workers and management brokered by Haryana government failed to reach a solution.

“The core issue was broadly MSI's unwillingness to compromise on having a non-affiliated internal union," Managing Executive Officer (Administration) SY Siddiqui said.

He also said while the company is flexible for other demands, "dismissal of 11 people stands as it is and the way forward, we are open for further talks".

"The government was appreciative of MSI's offer to the striking workers and the considerate way in which the company had approached the issue," he added.

Haryana Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shiv Charan Lal Sharma along with state Labour Commissioner Satwanti Ahlawat led the negotiations.

A worker, who asked not to be identified, said: "We will continue the strike till all our demands are met".

Already the state government has banned the strike, which has so far resulted in production loss of 9,000 units at an estimated value of around Rs 450 crore.

Around 2,000 workers at the plant have been on strike since June 4, resulting in a loss of about Rs 390 crore for the company on account of a 7,800-unit hit in output till Saturday.

The factory had its weekly off on Sunday.

The striking workers are demanding the recognition of a new union – Maruti Suzuki Employees Union – formed by those working at the Manesar plant, among other things.

Cracking the whip, the company fired 11 workers last week for allegedly inciting others to go on strike.

On Sunday, however, the company said it is willing to recognise the new union – the main demand of the workers.

The workers also said they are willing to end the stir provided all 11 of their sacked colleagues are reinstated.

The All-India Trade Union Congress, which is leading the agitation along with other unions such as the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, said workers in the region will hold a two-hour tool-down strike on Tuesday in support of the strike.

The Manesar plant rolls out about 1,200 units every day in two shifts.

The factory produces hatchbacks Swift and A-Star and sedans DZiRE and SX4.

MSI scrips closed the day on the BSE at Rs 1,227.60 per share, down 0.17 per cent from the previus close.