Tata's Dharwad plant hit by 'unreasonable' Strike

Tata Marcopolo Motors’ Dharwad plant has been hit by a major strike due to wage negotiations. Capable of manufacturing 15,000 buses per year and generating employment for over 2,500 people, the operations of the company were temporarily shut down from February 01, 2016, as workers resorted to mass absence. Now the company has declared a lockout, observing the deteriorating situation.

The Indian company has squarely placed the blame on the workers for the strike and accused them of making ‘unreasonable’ demands. The company cited that the workers have been given an yearly salary hike as a part of company’s policy and there are no issues related to wages. They further stated that the strike was completely against the reputation of the company and the workers are jeopardising the company’s interest.

“Workmen resorted to an illegal strike, with mass absence on January 31, 2016, compelling the plant's management to resort to temporary suspension of operations on February 1 to ensure safety,” the company said in a statement.

"In view of continued deterioration of the situation and in the absence of a congenial working atmosphere, with a continued threat to safety of people and equipment, the company declared a lock-out from February 6," apprised a Tata Motors spokesperson. He added, "Tata Marcopolo remains committed to its well-established principles of strong and cordial relationship with its people, with fair, employee-friendly policies at all times, but will not tolerate any indiscipline and coercive methods to pressurise for unreasonable demands."

The buses which are made in the plant, vary from 16-seater to 54-seater. Luxury buses and low-floor city buses are also manufactured at the facility.

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