Bombardier gives ultimatum to striking workers

Asks workers to resume work by July 17 or face termination

In order to break the logjam between the management and a group of striking workers at the Bombardier Transportations’ Savli unit near Vadodara, the company has set a deadline of July 17 for the workers to resume work. Failing to this, the workers may be terminated and replaced to keep the business operations at the plant smooth, the company informed on Thursday.

Around 100 workers at the Savli unit of the metro rail coach maker have been on strike since June 3 opposing their relocation to company’s Delhi site and alleging the company for forcing them to work beyond the stipulated working hours.

“The civil court of Vadodara on July 8, passed written orders rejecting all applications and claims of these employees, which were based on company following unfair trade practice, Rule 7/11, jurisdiction of the Court and false allegations on harassments by company officials,” Bombardier mentioned in a statement issued today.

Bombardier has already suspended 50 employees on disciplinary grounds in relation to the strike action pending an inquiry.

“The company is appealing to its employees as a last resort to resume work on or before July 17, 2013 failing which the company is rightful and constrained to take any disciplinary action including terminating their services through an applicable legal process and hire replacements for smooth conduct of its business activities,” the company stated in the statement.

Earlier this month the labour department had issued a “Prohibition of Strike” notification to the company based on representations provided by both sides.

Post the prohibition of strike notification, labour department official had held discussions urging illegally striking employees again to resume work but they continue to be on strike.

The company also claims to have made several attempts through letters, appeals, notices and discussions for the employees to resume work. “But we have been presented with unreasonable work and financial demands,” the company said.

“The company is open to accepting their demands by allowing works committee formation of Bombardier Transportation employees and adopt a softer approach on employees during enquiries on which disciplinary action has been initiated,” it said.

At the Savli site, the company is currently executing bogie orders for Adelaide and Victoria in Australia and delivery of metro cars for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.