Automobile component manufacturer Bosch has gone ahead to lift the lockout order that was imposed at the firm’s facility in Jaipur. Notably, Bosch had imposed the lockout due to a worker related conflict at the unit in the capital of Rajasthan. During the month of March, 2015, the workers, led by the labour union, deliberately reduced the speed of production and the total output went down by up to 70 per cent. This radical reduction in output forced the maker to temporarily shut down the facility. However, the firm went ahead to lift this lock out after discussing the matter with the concerned parties.
A statement released by the firm, pertaining to this issue, said, "A conciliation meeting was held on April 13, 2015 between the management and labour union supported by the Labour Secretary, wherein it was agreed that the union will not indulge in a 'go-slow' action and call off their hunger strike immediately and the company will lift the lockout with effect from first shift of April 15, 2015." Reports claim that both parties were directed by the Labour Secretary to carry on with discussions in order to find a solution for the long run.
The firm further notified that negotiations regarding wage settlements for a five year period have been on for almost two years. Local authorities have involved themselves in order to resolve the matter and facilitate conciliation. However, this is not the first time that Bosch has faced an issue with labour as previously the firm went through trouble at the Bangalore plant. Workers at the plant in the capital of Karnataka disrupted proceedings at the facility for three months. The management has shown concerns over the same and feels that these issues could prevent the firm from getting investments in the subcontinent.
