On February 27, 2012, state police arrested 400 employees of Ford India, who were on strike against the expulsion of colleagues fired the day before. Nine personnel were dismissed from the position of Production Associate for claiming reimbursement from the company against fake medical bills.
According to officials of Ford India Employees Union, the demonstrators had voiced concern against the severity of the fault, if any, of the dismissed employees. They believed that the punishment was not in line with the extent of the seriousness of the action. However, the management of Ford India's Chennai plant refused to give in.
The protesters started their strike in the bus parking lot, which falls within the premises of the manufacturing plant. Around 12 am on February 28, 2012, the police intervened in the matter and asked the protesting employees to end their strike. However, they continued to defy the authorities and were, subsequently, booked. By the evening of the same day, they were released from jail by the police.
On February 29, 2012, the State Government Labour Department will conduct a meeting in order to facilitate reconciliation between the two parties. On the other hand, the workers have said that they will continue their agitation. Union sources have stressed that this demonstration will not affect the production operations at the plant, which is located around 50 km from National Highway 45. The company has also said that the facility will carry on working according to the normal production schedule.
Just 1/4th of the 4700 personnel working at Ford's Chennai plant are permanent employees, while the rest are apprentices and hold a job on contract basis. More than 750 permanent workers are registered with an independent union, a recognised body that is not considered official by the American car maker.
![Skoda Superb [2020-2023]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/n/cw/ec/39039/superb-exterior-right-front-three-quarter-2.jpeg?q=80 "Skoda Superb [2020-2023]")
