Strike at Tata Motors unit: Farmers set to join workers’ protest near Sanand plant

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During the protest on Monday, a few representatives of the workers submitted a memorandum on their demands to the deputy collector. Later, the workers decided to intensify the stir and sought permission for demonstration on March 19 at Sanand GIDC from the mamlatdar and the local police.

Earlier, scores of workers were detained by Ahmedabad police and taken to Shahibaug police headquarters. They were released at around 3 pm.

“We have sought permission from the mamlatdar and Sanand police to hold the demonstration outside the Sanand Police Gate near our plant. A lot of workers did not join the demonstration on Monday and a few of them have gone to their villages, but no one has resumed work, so far. Several trade union representatives who met the deputy collector were assured by him that he will try to expedite the formation of our trade union,” said Harpalsinh Jhala, one of the representatives of the striking workers.

The workers last week had announced their new union named Bhartiya Kamdar Ekta Sangh of Sanand and said that they had plans to hold a trade union sammelan uniting various trade unions in the state to highlight workers’ plight and further invite youth leaders like JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar and Patidar agitation leader Hardik Patel to appeal for their labour rights.

Meanwhile, a statement released by the company on Monday stated, “We continue to remain engaged with the employees as we believe it is in everyone’s interests to resolve amicably. Moreover, in the meeting with the district collector on March 11th, and respecting his efforts to help conciliate this issue, we have not currently taken any legal action and instead are hopeful that the workers will realise that one, their continued strike is illegal and unjustified, given the prohibitory order and two, they would also respect the collector’s request to resume work. On our part, we have committed today to the district collector towards a fair and expedited inquiry process of the 26 suspended workmen with utmost speed, within six months subject to no delays by any party during the enquiry. Moreover, the enquiry will be conducted in all fairness by an independent enquiry agency in due compliances to rules and processes which can only take place if the situation returns to normal… We will be compelled to take necessary action with respect to the individuals who do not return to work soon.”