Toyota labour unrest continues

Dispute may effect future investments: Management.

A meeting convened by the labour commssioner to resolve the impasse between striking workers of Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) and the management has been postponed to January 12, sources close to the situation said.

The meeting had to be deferred after three representatives of the management could not reach the office of the labour commissioner, which saw protests by more than 400 striking employees.

A company spokesperson said the meeting has been postponed following their request. He said, "We could not enter the office of the labour commissioner as we were scared. There were about 400 workers protesting and raising slogans against the company. So, we requested the deputy labour commissioner and the reconciliation officer to postpone the meeting," he said, adding, "We have asked the commissioner to ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for talks."

The spokesperson also said that since the strike (on Friday last) the company's production has dipped by 132 vehicles and about 700 management staff have been pressed to do the production job.

"We have inventory available for one month and there will not be any problem for the next 30 days."

He also said that the event might effect their investment plans in the state. The company has 2,350 workers including managerial staff of which 1,550 are unionised owing allegiance to Toyota Kirloskar Motors Employees Union (TKMEU), which does not have any affiliation.

Ravi R, joint secretary, TKMEU said, "About 850 striking workers have vowed not to leave the office of the labour commissioner till representatives of the company turn up for the settlement proceedings. We are requesting the state government to ensure talks are held immediately to reslove the issue."

The strike that began on Friday and ended up in a lock-out on Sunday.

Trouble began in February 2004 when 15 workers were suspended for misconduct: refusal to carry out safety instructions and ensuring quality. The company had initiated an enquiry by a person "who is not part of the management", which took one year.

"The report, which was submitted recently, was the basis on which the company dismissed three employees and reinstated one worker," said the company spokesperson.

He added that the company was forced to declare a lock-out under section 24, Industrial Disputes Act 1947 because the workers threatened to commit suicide by entering the LPG zone.

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STRIKE FACTOR

Meeting convened by the labour commission postponed to January 12

Owing to Friday's strike, the company's production drops by 132 cars

Managerial staff pressed to do production jobs

Company officials say this unrest may affect their investment plans