Japanese car-maker Toyota had been entangled in bitter rift with its union workers for nearly more than a month now. The issue over hike in pay was resolved after a meeting that was held between the labor groups and a local government mediator. Post meeting, it was decided that the workers shall resume duties from March 24, 2014. It has been over four weeks now and striking employees are yet to return to work citing unreasonable "good conduct" pledge put forth from the management towards the employee union.
As per a recent order released by the Government of Karnataka, Japanese car-maker Toyota and its labour union has been asked to restore normal operations at the local unit on an immediate basis. A statement released by Toyota said, “The government of Karnataka, in order to maintain industrial peace and harmony, has issued an order asking the company and the union to restore normalcy in operations immediately. All relevant issues between the workers and the management have been referred for adjudication.”
A while ago, Shekar Viswanathan, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motors Ltd, said, “Our production has declined 50 percent to 350 cars from 700 cars a day, as the twin plants are operating in one shift with about 1,200 supervisors, technicians, apprentices and contract laborers. We were forced to declare lockout after production dropped to 70 percent from 95 percent during the first fortnight of March and due to unrest caused by a section of the workers, raising safety concerns of supervisors, managerial staff and plant machinery.”
From the total strength of about 4,200 union workers, only about 300 have resumed duties. As per union members the small number who have resumed duties have signed the “good conduct” letter. The company officials have however dismissed the unions claims that asking the employees to sign any such letter has resulted in extension of protests. Viswanathan added, “Reaction from Japan is one of sadness over the labor unrest in India because we have world class plants, world class workers and technicians and world class management.”
