Angry at delayed payments, employees ransack Narsapura plant where iPhones are made

The SP said the police have collected CCTV footage and will soon be arresting some suspects. The plant is located about 60 km from Bengaluru.

Alleging unpaid salaries, workers vandalize iPhone manufacturing unit near Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/pbW6xAwA0I

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) December 12, 2020

According to sources in the police, the employees have damaged furniture, computers and factory equipment. They tried to set fire to two vehicles belonging to the company and damaged four other vehicles parked on then premises. However, it is learnt that most of the damage was in the front office areas and the factory floors were not damaged.

Wistron has a 43-acre plant at Narasapura industrial area into which an investment of Rs 3,000 crore went in. Around 10,000 employees are employed at the plant which makes devices for multiple brands inclduding Apple. Most of the employees working in the plant are from Kolar, Chikkabalapur, Bengaluru Rural and Urban district. Wistron has another plant in Bengaluru’s Peenya industrial area exclusively manufacturing iPhones.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr C Ashwathnarayan, who also handles the IT and Biotechnology portfolios, tweeted that it is imperative nobody takes the law in their own hands. “There are appropriate forums to resolve such issues without indulging in this wanton violence,” he said, condemning the violence.

Also Read

Karnataka govt sets 100-day deadline to fix traffic, civic issues in Beng...

Bengaluru: Operations to start on Whitefield to Challaghatta Metro corrid...

After 14 deaths near Bengaluru, safety at cracker shops in focus

Bengaluru News Live Updates: Metro’s Purple line complete, ops on 2 secti...

Ashwathnarayan added that strict action would be taken against the “errant elements” but also promised that all workers’ rights will be “duly protected” and their dues cleared. The minister said he has asked SP, Kolar to ensure that all measures are taken to bring the situation under immediate control and identify the culprits. “Strict action will be taken under the law against the errant elements.”