MRF strike issues reaches Madras HC

The MRF Arakkonam Workers’ Welfare Union (AWWU), which is stated to be pro management, filed a Criminal Original Petition at the Madras High Court on Tuesday, alleging that the MRF United Workers Union (MUWU) “has illegally confined AWWU representatives within the factory”.

MUWU members continued their sit-in-strike, while their families protested in front of the factory. The workers aslo boycotted the Lok Sabha polls today. MUWU workers claimed they have over 30,000 votes at Arakaonam. The union is demanding reinstatement of dismissed workers following unionisation, recognition of the uniion by the company and wage revision.

Court representatives, labour department offcials and senior police officials visited the factory in the wee hours of Wednesday to assess the situation on the direction of the Madras High Court.

Rama Prabha, an advocate representing MUWU, told Business Standard that the petition came for hearing late evening on Tuesday at the Madras High Court. Justice C T Selvam ordered the advocate commissioner, deputy commissioner of labour department and the deputy commissioner of police to visit the factory and to make an announcement “that whoever wanted to leave the premises can do so without fear and that they will get police protection”.

TV Paramasivam, president, MUWU, said that officials came to the Arakkonam factory at 2.45 am on Wednesday morning and made the announcement. They also advised the workers to resume work. However, according to Paramasivam, “nobody has come forward to leave the sit-in-site”.