Bajaj Auto Union defers strike at Chakan Plant till May 15

Vishwa Kalyan Kamgar Sanghatana (VKKS), the independent trade union of Pune based two wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto has today deferred the proposed strike from tomorrow by till May 15 saying that workers have decided to give more time to the management to consider their charter of demands.

 

On April 14, the union had issued notice to Bajaj Auto management to go on strike form April 28 as the management is not utilising its corporate social responsibility funds for the benefit of workers.

 

The demand include include allocation of CSR funds for education of employees' children, setting up a museum in the name of company's founder Jamnalal Bajaj within a year and allotment of shares at a discounted price.

 

Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto had rubbished all the demands and said it would ensure that production is not hit if the union makes any attempt to disrupt it.

 

Last year, in June 2013, the union has declared a strike for 50 days and later it was called off unconditionally. Then the union has demanded for company shares for free of cost and salary hike. However, Rajiv Bajaj, managing director Bajaj Auto has stated that even if the plant shuts for next six months due to strike, we are not giving a single share to any worker for free of cost.

 

"We have decided to defer our proposed strike at Chakan plant till May 15. We have conveyed our decision to the management. the decision was taken keeping in view the interest of employees and also grant more time to the management to consider the union's demand. However, this can be resolved if managing director of Bajaj Auto speaks to us, but unfortunately he has not shown any interest so far."

 

Speaking on this, Kailas Zanjari, vice president, motorcycle division, Bajaj Auto said, "The union has took this decision with maturity and we hope they will show the same maturity in future. The management is very much firm on its stand and not going to negotiate on any of the demands raised by the union. We have already offered them a revised salary package."

 

Over 2000 workers are engaged in this facility to manufacture 1.2 million units of motorcycles, which include the Pulsar, Avenger, Ninja and KTM brands.