Bajaj Auto to let in Akurdi workers on Wed

In a development that may lead to a solution to the issue of permanemt discontinuation of two-wheeler production at the Bajaj Auto factory at Akurdi,the company's management agreed to let the workers in to the factory premises from Wednesday, November 7.

The decision was arrived at in a meeting between the representatives of the workers' union and management initiated by the union agriculture minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar this afternoon in Pune.

Pawar met representatives of both the sides separately and then together, at the government circuit house. He told media persons after the meeting that the management has agreed to allowing the workers inside the factory and the workers will report at the factory for the first shift on Wednesday and onwards, as per their routine.

When asked whether the production of two wheelers will resume Pawar said that's a matter to be decided internally by the two sides. "I think today's discussions and the decision to allow workers in will pave the way for an amicable solution to the problem," Pawar said.

He made it clear that his role was only to get the parties together and set a process of dialogue between them. "I hope I don't have to look into this subject again," he added.

Bajaj Auto has stopped manufacturing of two wheelers at Akurdi with effect from September 1, this year, citing revenue losses arising out of the tax structure followed by the state government and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

While announcing stoppage of production, the company had said workers will continue to be in its employment and will get their wages though they need not come to the factory. The unions are agitated over this decision as they perceive this as the first step to a possible move to retrench them.

Bajaj Auto managing director Rajiv Bajaj had categorically said last week that production at Akurdi will not resume under any circumstances. Today's decision has therefore raised the question as to what will happen once the workers enter the factory on Wednesday.

Dilip Pawar, president, Vishwa Kalyan Kamgar Sanghatana, the recently recognised workers' union in Bajaj Auto, said the decision to allow the workers in is the first step in the right direction and we can now sit and discuss the further steps. He said the  things may gather pace only after the ensuing Diwali festival.

Rajiv Bajaj declined to comment on the discussions that took place or the company's stand now. "I have nothing more to say than what was told by Mr Pawar," he said.