The Hindu Business Line : Hind Motors' Uttarpara factory reopens after strike

An agreement was signed on Wednesday night between the management and representatives of three trade unions including CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), SSU (Sangrami Shramik Union) and IFTU (Indian Federation of Trade Unions) on the reopening.

"Today the attendance has been nearly 80 per cent which is higher than the average attendance reported around this time of the year, when most workers plan their annual leave," Ms Soni Shrivastav, General Manager, Corporate Communication, CK Birla Group, told Business Line.

"The situation (at the factory) is peaceful. Production of Ambassador cars has also started," she added.

Agreement `illegal'

However, Sangrami Shramik Karmachari Union (SSKU), which claims to be the sole bargaining agent, and INTUC (Indian National Trade Union Congress) have not signed the agreement. "This agreement is illegal. Only the sole bargaining agent has the right to sign any pact. The State Government has also refrained from signing the agreement," Mr Amitava Bhattacharyya, President, SSKU, told Business Line.

"We will continue with our strike," Mr Bhattacharyya added.

According to senior HM officials and members of SSU, SSKU enjoys the support of only 10-15 per cent support of the total workforce and cannot be considered as the "sole bargaining agent".

Demands to be met

As part of the agreement, the management has agreed to "a dialogue with the registered trade unions to look into their demands," a HM release said.

"Once the plant resumes operation, meetings will be a part of the routine and discussions can happen any time now," Ms Shrivastav said.

The management will also extend loans to the workers to help them ease their immediate financial pressure and will review the suspension order served to the 30 odd workers on a case-to-case basis, she added.

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