Maruti strike continues for 13th day; hope for end in sight

The strike at Maruti Suzuki India's Manesar plant continued for the 13th day on Thursday amid hectic talks between management and workers, brokered by the Haryana government, raising hopes of an end to the stalemate soon.

CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said a settlement was in sight to strike, which has resulted in production loss of 12,600 units estimated to be valued around Rs 630 crore.

"I have spoken to Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda several times and finally an agreement is being drafted," the CPI MP told PTI.

As per the agreement, which is being worked out, all 11 sacked employees are likely to be reinstated and there will be no reference to the management's decision of not allowing trade union activities at the plant, Dasgupta claimed.

Also read: Maruti's strike to end soon, agreement being drafted: CPI

At the time of filing the report company officials and striking workers said the talks were still on.

The shares of Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) today fell 1.74 per cent to close at Rs 1,189.45 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Yesterday, Haryana Chief Minister met top MSI executives, including Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi, and was understood to have assured the firm of the state government's support in not letting formation of second union.

Dasgupta, however, said workers in about 65 factories in the Gurgaon-Manesar industrial belt will "work empty stomach" on June 17 and hold a two-hour tool-down strike on June 20 from 11am to 1pm to support the striking employees of Maruti.

Due to the strike, waiting periods for diesel variants of three models, Swift, DZiRE and SX4, have further increased by up to one month and now the company is fearing an impact on its sales during this month due to the production loss.

On June 4, workers went on a strike demanding recognition of a new union, Maruti Suzuki Employees Union (MSEU), formed by those working at the Manesar plant, among other things.

While a company spokesperson said only about 600 people are on strike, MSEU General Secretary Shiv Kumar claimed at least 2,000 workers are on the sit-in stir at the plant.

Cracking the whip, the company fired 11 workers last week for allegedly inciting others to go on strike.

Currently the company has one recognised union -- Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union -- which is dominated by workers at the Gurgaon plant.

The Manesar plant rolls out about 1,200 units every day in two shifts. The factory produces hatchbacks Swift and A-Star and sedans DZiRE and SX4.