The Hindu Business Line : Hindustan Motors calls off meeting with unions

Kolkata April 6 The meeting between the management of Hindustan Motors and representatives of the registered trade unions, scheduled for April 8, has been called off. According to a company press release, the step has been taken as the management did not receive any response from the trade unions to restore normality at the factory premise within the stipulated time.

In a letter to the trade unions on April 5, the management had stated that the meeting could possibly be called off unless the unions allowed free movement of employees and materials and refrained from any act of threat or intimidation. The deadline given to the unions to respond was 11 a.m. on April 6.

"It is very important for Hindustan Motors to maintain the confidence of its customers. The continued agitation is hindering smooth operations," the release said. The management had earlier stated that instances of violence and threats at the factory premise had compelled it to take nearly 50 apartments in Kolkata on lease to ensure the safety of its managers.

`No instance of violence'

Mr Amitava Bhattacharyya, President, Sangrami Shramik Karmachari Union (SSKU), one of the five registered trade unions, confirmed receipt of the letter. However, he ran down the management's accusations, stating, "The High Court in its verdict has stated the movement as lawful trade union activity."

When asked why he did not reply to the letter, Mr Bhattacharyya said, "I did not respond to the letter since there has been no instance of violence from our side."

"It is only a new excuse that the management has thought of to call off the meeting. It goes to show that the management is not keen on working out a solution. We are ready for the meeting, but if they don't want it we will continue with our strike," Mr Bhattacharyya told Business Line.

SSKU will stage a rally at Uttarpara on April 8 and will call a 12-hour `bandh' there on April 12, Mr Bhattacharyya said.

More Stories on : Trade & Labour Unions | Cars

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page