Court Asks Workers To Leave Plant, Strike Continue

Published: Friday, October 14, 2011, 15:09 [IST]

Maruti Suzuki has got partial relief from the High Court of Punjab and Haryana after the court ordered striking workers at Manesar to vacate the plant premises. The carmaker had sought an order from the High court to declare the strike as illegal and evict the striking workers.

The court has said no protests must be held inside the plant as well as within 100 metres of the plant. The order was to ensure other employees at the plant are safe. Maruti Suzuki had contended that workers were becoming violet and supervisors were being attacked. The court has asked the police to ensure adequate protection is provided to the workers.

The Haryana state government has deployed a high number of police personnel around the Manesar plant hinting at the possibility of forceful eviction. The strike at Manesar along with Suzuki powertrain and Suzuki Motorcycle has now entered its eighth day. The strike began last Friday, 7th October. The strike began when workers demanded Maruti Suzuki to reinstate over 1,100 contract workers. These workers were to be employed in a phased manner according to the carmaker.

Production at Maruti Suzuki has been severely affected due to the strike. Production at the Gurgaon plants have also slowed down due to the non availability of engines. Waiting periods for cars such as the Swift has already crossed eight months. Recent reports indicate Maruti Suzuki is planning to stop production of the Alto, Swift, Swift DZire and SX4.

With India's leading carmaker struggling with persistent strikes, the Indian auto sector is bound to show a slowdown this financial year.