Bajaj Auto union postpones strike indefinitely

Union had alleged that company's management not utilising its CSR funds for benefit of workers

Vishwa Kalyan Kamgar Sanghatana (VKKS), the independent trade union of Pune based two wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto has today again proposed strike for indefinite time period.

Speaking on this, Dilip Pawar, president, VKKS said, "We have decided to defer our proposed strike at Chakan plant for indefinite period of time. We discussed this issue with various other trade unions and decided not to go on strike. Also, Industrial All (Global) Union of Geneva has also suggested us not to go on strike and we have to consider its suggestion."

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.

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. Over 2,000 workers are engaged in this facility to manufacture 1.2 million units of motorcycles, which include the Pulsar, Avenger, Ninja and KTM brands.