This refers to the news report on Maruti’s labour trouble (“Maruti unrest escalates, unions mobilise workers,” September 1). The allegation of sabotage by workers made by the management hides its own reluctance to give a democratic space to workers that will allow them to be represented by the union of their choice. The fact that more than 900 workers are protesting since the last two months is well known to the management as well as the government, besides the media. Yet basic International Labour Organisation and constitutionally-mandated provisions of collective bargaining, dispute settlement and conciliation have been overlooked. In fact, it may be alleged that the management and the government is attempting to sabotage workers’ unity by delaying, propping its own union and coercing, which is a clear violation of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act under Schedule 5 – Unfair Labour Practices.
Even as recognition of unions has been legislated by several Indian states, Haryana chooses to encourage employers to exploit their workers under the cloak of a labour-trouble free investment destination.
Hari Parmeshwar, on email
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