Dismissed Maruti Workers To Go On Hunger Strike

Published: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 13:29 [IST]

Maruti Suzuki and labour trouble always appear to go hand in hand. The company which is just about recovering from the month long lockout of its Manesar plant will now face protest in the form of a two day hunger strike being held by workers who were dismissed following violet incidents in the Manesar plant in July.

Maruti Suzuki had dismissed more than 500 workers in July after a senior manager was killed by irate workers who had gone on a flash strike. The company has stated that it will not take back any of the dismissed workers.

The dismissed workers have asked why 500 workers were dismissed while the Police had filed an FIR naming only about 200 workers said to have involved in violence. The Manesar workers have received support from the Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union (MUKU) which represents Maruti Suzuki's workers at the Gurgaon plant.

Kuldeep Jhangu, general secretary of Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union (MUKU) has said his union will join the striking workers whenever they make a representation to the state government's labour department and at other forums. However he made it clear MUKU workers will not be joining the hunger strike.

The hunger strike by Maruti Suzuki workers will seek reinstatement of all workers who have not been accused of being involved in violence. The workers have termed their termination as unfair as they were dismissed without a formal inquiry.

Other workers are expected to join the protest tomorrow on Thursday when the workers will go on a rally. Workers from the Gurgaon Manesar belt are expected to join the protest in support of the dismissed Manesar workers.

Maruti Suzuki has reiterated that it will not take bake any of the dismissed workers.