German automobile component manufacturer Bosch has declared a lockout at its Jaipur plant due to the ongoing worker unrest. The unrest follows worker’s demand for higher wages. This is not for the first time that this facility has faced the brunt of labour unrest. Last month, the company had to shut the plant for one day due to labour strike.
Our internal sources reveal that while the component manufacturer is ready to hike the wages by Rs 7,000 every month, the Worker Union demands a raise by over Rs 9,000. There are a few other demands too, on which an agreement has also been reached. It is however, the increment in wages which continues to be the main sticking point.
Meanwhile, the company has allegedly dismissed 45 workers, after paying them their dues excluding the incentive payments, from the facility. To roll back this lock down and get operations functional, workers are also demanding imposing section 10K that would prohibit the lock out. Moreover, Bosch is also allegedly planning to introduce a new system known as the “TG” which gives a complete account for a worker’s time and output. While the workers are ready to accept the TG system, they are also demanding an increase in the pay package accordingly.
In a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Bosch said, “The company’s management has taken a considered decision in declaring a lockout against the labour union and workmen of the company’s Jaipur plant indulging in a go-slow action, effective April 5. The company’s management has reached this decision after careful examination, keeping in mind the safety of its employees, the interests of its customers and the overall impact, such a severe go-slow would have on the Indian automotive industry.”