General Motors-Workers 6-Week Long Deadlock Ends

It seems that May 1, labour day had an impact on General Motors following which after conciliation with the workers, the six-week long strike came to an end at its Halol plant in India. With the end of the deadlock, production would resume at the plant in the next few days, said sources.

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General Motors suffered a production loss of over 100 units of Chevrolet models each day at this unit due to the strike, added sources. This facility has a total capacity of producing 85,000 units per year in three shifts. The plant produces premium hatchback Aveo U-Va, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Cruze and multi-utility vehicle Tavera. Besides this plant, General Motors India has another production unit at Talegaon in Maharashtra that produces compact cars Spark and Beat.

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According to sources, over 900 workers of the second shift had gone on indefinite strike on March 16 demanding better work environment and recall of all employees transferred from the unit. After observing the resistance for less than a week the General Motors management issued a 48-hour dismissal threat and as a result over 700 workers resumed job on March 25. However, the rest continued to protest and stood firm on their demands despite various offers from the General Motors management. There were series of protests and gheraos by the workers as well, but in vain. It was after the Indian National Trade Union Congress- Gujarat Kamdar Mandal softened its stand so that the impasse could end, said sources. It is also said that the agreement was also backed by the Gujarat state labor department. Following the conciliation, General Motors will discuss the issues and will be taking back the suspended works on roll again. Once all the workers join, the Halol plant will be able to deliver its maximum capacity production of Chevrolet cars in two shifts.