Tata Motors begins re-hiring laid off workers

Tata Motors has started the process of re-engaging temporary workers at its commercial vehicle unit in Pimpri. Several thousands of them were laid off late last year following reduced production, in the wake of a slow-down in the industry.

A company official, who did not wish to be named, said Tata Motors began hiring around the middle of January, and is continuing to do so through this month. The strength varies with the work load, and while the number is nearly 3,000 today, during the third quarter, it touched a low of around 750. At peak requirement, it is as high as 6,000.

While re-hiring suggests that the commercial vehicle segment is witnessing a reversal inthe downward trend, company officials are guarded in drawing conclusions. “Yes, there is an improvement in numbers,” one of them said, adding that there was still some caution on whether it would sustain.

Tata Motors’ CV facility at Pimpri manufactures a range of heavy, medium and light vehicles, and is also the site for the manufacture of the prestigious still-to-be launched World Truck. The plant supports a host of smaller and medium-scale auto component manufacturing units, and what happens here is a closely watched phenomenon.

contd on page 2...