Honda’s Manesar plant shuts down after strike

Honda’s oldest manufacturing plant based in Manesar, Haryana has suspended production following allegations of misconduct by workers and a week-long tool down strike.

More than 2,000 contractual workers have participated in the strike against the retrenchment of over 200 contract workers at the factory. Slowdown in retail demand had forced Honda, the second largest two-wheeler company in India, to cut back on production and lay off surplus manpower.

The management confirmed that production at the Manesar plant has been suspended with effect from November 11. Business Standard quoted Manesar Honda plant head Saibal Maitra as saying, “The union repeatedly asked contractual workers to continue with their illegal strike and instigated them to sit inside the company premises.”

Without specifying any date for resumption of operations, the report said, stakeholders “will be informed about resumption of operations once the condition at the plant normalise.”