The Hindu Business Line : MTR Foods lifts factory lockout

Bangalore May 14 The MTR Foods management reopened its factory on Monday, which was under lockout for more than a week. After talks with the Deputy Labour Commissioner on Monday, the management agreed to the workers' demand for the lockout to be lifted.

Undertaking signed

According to an MTR Foods official, 28 representatives from the workers' union have signed "a good conduct undertaking" agreeing to abide by the "standing rules" of the company regarding discipline.

Demand for salary hike

However, Mr G.R. Shivashankar, President of the MTR Foods employees' union, said the workers would continue to demand for salary matching MNC standards.

"We will approach the Managing Director in 3-4 days. But normalcy will prevail at the factory for now. We will continue to work and also have bilateral talks with the management regarding pay hike."

More talks to come

Another round of discussion is scheduled for June 4 between the management and the workers before the Deputy Labour Commissioner.

As for the future of MTR Foods, which was taken over by the Norway-based Orkla in February (the transfer of shares has been completed), the MTR official said the company would continue to function under the "same management" with Mr Sadananda Maiya as the Managing Director. There are a few representatives from Orkla on the board of directors, said the official.

On whether the company will introduce any products from Orkla, he said: "No. The products will be 100 per cent vegetarian and from the MTR stable."