MRF workers move SC; strike enters 32nd day

MRF United Workers Union (MUWU), representing cross section of workers from MRF’s Arakkonam factory, had filed a petition at the Supreme Court against Madras High Court’s direction to maintain status quo. Meanwhile, cross section of workers from MRF factory went on a hunger strike today at Chennai and continued their strike, staying away from work for the 32nd day.

A senior council representing MUWU, which claims the majority of the workers at MRF’s Arakkonam factory are supporting MUWU, said on May 19, 2009 Madras High Court had directed the two unions – MUWU and MRF Arakkonam Worker Welfare Union (MAWWU), which is claimed to be pro-management union and the MRF management to maintain the status quo by the three parties, subject to the management taking a decision on the wage settlement agreement of May 09, 2009.

MUWU has filed a petition against this direction at Supreme Court stating that the High Court should have given an injunction along with status quo. The union also wants the court to direct MRF and labour department to implement International Labour Organisation's (ILO) direction.

Following a representation to the ILO, two enquiries held by the state government had recognised that it represented the majority of the workers at the facility, V Prakash, honorary president of the MUWU, which said that it enjoyed the majority support of the workers.

MUWU petition is likely to come for hearing at Supreme Court on June 8.

Meanwhile, members of MUWU went on a hunger strike in Chennai today against the company management. The workers are staying away from the work since May 9, 2009.

The union was demanding management recognition for the MUWU and initiation of wage settlement discussions with MUWU. They also said they are ready for an election and secret ballot to demonstrate their majority representation, said T V Paramasivam, president, MUWU.

He added, as of now workers at Arakkonam were being paid on a “piece rate” basis which resulted in a huge loss to the employees.

For instance, the average salary was around Rs 7,000 while MRF’s own employees at Tiruvottriyur unit were paid basic and DA and the wages were more than double. The employees have been demanding recognition for the elected union since 1992, he said.

The unit produces 26,000 tyres and 42,000 tubes a day and supplies to various auto majors, including Honda Motorcyle, Scooter India, Bajaj Auto and Maruti Suzuki to which MRF is an original equipment supplier.

The company officials were not available to comment on the production impact and on the strike.