Bajaj relents, allows Akurdi workers entry from Nov 7

In a development that may lead to a solution to the vexed issue of Akurdi plant closure by Bajaj Auto, the company management has agreed to let the workers into the factory premises from Wednesday.

The decision was arrived at a meeting brokered by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar between the representatives of the workers' union and the management this afternoon in Pune.

Pawar met representatives of both the sides in this regard. He told media persons after the meeting that the management has agreed to allow the workers inside the factory and the workers will report to the factory for the first shift on Wednesday as per their schedule.

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 inside the premises 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 two-wheelers at Akurdi with effect from September 1, citing revenue losses arising out of the tax structure followed by the state and the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.

While announcing the production stoppage, the company had said the workers would continue to be in its employment and get their wages though they need not come to the factory. The unions are agitated over this perceiving it to be a precursor for retrenchment.

Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj had categorically said last week that the production at Akurdi will not resume under any circumstances.

Dilip Pawar, president of the 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 further steps.

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 Pawar," he said.