Labour court terms strike at Bombardier unit as illegal

Company ready to allow formation of union but with conditions

The labour court on Friday issued an injunction order terming strike by a group of workers at Bombardier Transportation's Savli unit near Vadodara as illegal. Even the state labour department issued a notification prohibiting strike by the section of workers after the company alleged threat to its property and workers inside it.

"The court has termed the strike illegal and has also prohibited the employees from being within 300 meters of the plant site so as to safeguard the normal operations," said Harsh Mehta, director, communications and public affairs, Bombardier Transportation.

At a media briefing here, Mehta claimed that the company made several attempts to end the deadlock between the management and workers amicably. However, no progress could be made in that direction, he added.

The company also maintained that it was ready to accept some of the workers' demands, including formation of a workers' union in the company. But without external representation, as was demanded by the workers.

Further, in an embarrassing situation for the company, two of the striking workers managed to get inside the hall, where media briefing was taking place. When asked why they entered the media briefing, one of them said that the company was making false allegations about intimidation by some of the workers.

"We want our voice to be heard. Company is making baseless allegations about intimidation by workers. In fact we are being threatened by way of letters and notices," the worker claimed.

Nearly 100 workers are on strike at the company's Savli unit.

The company further informed that post the injunction letter, the police will arrest any individuals including company's striking workers who attempt to act in violent manner. The company has also suspended 50 employees on disciplinary grounds pending inquiry against them.

These workers are on strike since June 3, demanding higher financial support for their deputation to company's Delhi project site. Also, they have demanded formation of a union with an external representative.