This refers to the front-page Q&A with Sonu Gujjar “What chance did a tenth-pass stand against Maruti’s lawyers?” (November 8). I’d like to thank you for opening a debate on the real issues involved in the so-called “disturbances” at industrial work sites. The brief interview should open the eyes of governments, social scientists and the intelligentsia, which in the comfort of baits offered by the rich and powerful goes more than half way to defend atrocities on the deprived. The following revelations need further contemplation by those who find faults with trade unions and workers for anything that goes wrong on the industrial, agriculture or services front:
- Work at the factory had to come to a standstill for the reinstatement of “casual” workers and suspended employees. Casual employees, from the lowest rung to the highest, are the by-products of economic development. How long should we close our eyes to the social security implications of such a casual approach to HR management?
- Sonu Gujjar, who could lead what he considers a successful strike, is not so sure about tasting success in his legal battle against the company. This could be interpreted in different ways. But experience suggests that heads of institutions, including governments, continue the fight with employees till the other party gives up or dies or the highest court gives out some strictures.
- If Sonu Gujjar (25) was to serve Maruti till the age of 52, he would have earned an aggregate remuneration of Rs 16 lakh — an amount a salesperson of his age and qualification in the automobile sector could earn in a year today!
- Maruti paid huge sums to get rid of “dissent” rather than handling the issues raised by employees. At the risk of repetition, I would like to emphasise that we need to face and solve issues rather than dodge them in the comfort of assumed security provided by “law and order”.
M G Warrier, Mumbai
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