Maruti Suzuki Workers' Union (MWSU) has raised around 20 new demands for the car manufacturer, as per sources. This comes after the 3 year wage settlement that both the parties signed. The union has gained leverage in the company after it went on strike in 2011 and halted production of Maruti Suzuki vehicles in India, which led to considerable losses for the automotive giant.
One of the demands is the increase in the basic pay of employees in accordance with the wage settlement agreement. According to a source, "The union submitted their list to the management last week. Among the major ones, the workers are demanding raise in basic salaries that can be as high as five times more in some cases."
Another demand is that the Dearness Allowance of Rs. 150 that the company pays to the employees should now be linked to the basic pay. Presently, this sum is paid as a fixed amount to the personnel recruited by the largest car maker of India.
Sarabjeet Singh, General Secretary, MWSU, has confirmed these demands, saying "We have submitted our demand list to the company management on April 18. It has about 20-22 different points." However, he declined to comment in detail about the demands, stating that the union is still to begin negotiations with the Maruti Suzuki board of management. S. Y. Siddiqui, Managing Executive Officer (Administration), Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has also refused to make a comment on the matter.
Other demands made by the Workers’ Union are a hike in the number of employee privileges and casual leaves. Apart from that, it also asked for conveyance services within a distance of 100 km from the production unit as well as the company's assistance in getting economical residences for the employees.
As per a person working at the Manesar unit, a permanently employed personnel holding the post of Junior Associate-1 (JA-1) is paid close to Rs. 15,000 to 17,000 per month. He stated, "Out of this total amount, basic pay is Rs. 5,000, travelling allowance is Rs. 1,600, HRA is around Rs. 1,400 and an amount of Rs. 200 for washing our clothes. The major component is a variable performance-linked allowance of Rs. 7,000 - 9,000." The fixed Dearness Allowance of Rs. 150 is paid on top of this amount by the company to every employee.
