Nokia Siemens Networks' workers go on strike

Last year 72 employees were suspended for demanding recognition of trade labor unions, 5 of which are yet to be reinstated

A section on employees n the Nokia Siemens Networks factory in Oragadam, near Chennai, have gone for a strike against the company raising objections on their demands including recognition of labour union, and reinstatement of suspended workers.

 

Several people who were a part of the protest against the company were arrested on Thursday night but were later released, according to company officials and workers. Workers at the unit have been asking for the recognition of Nokia Siemens Networks India Worker's Union, which will be backed by Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)

 

Muthukumar, president of the Nokia Seimens Networks India Worker's Union said that the company had suspended 72 employees last year in relation with the formation of the union. Out of those, five  employees are yet to be reinstated even after negotiations the Labour department officials.

He also said that the company refused to sign an agreement with the union on wage revision, which triggered the latest protest, in which the union demanded recognition from the company.

 

Meanwhile, the company spokesperson said, "“We are working with the employee representatives in our Chennai factory to resolve the issue that cropped up amongst some employees." The officials also said that the dispute is related to the wage settlement.

 

According to company officials, there are around 800 employees working in the facility, of which around 50-60% are permanent employees and around 50-60 people are protesting under the said union. However, Muthukumar says around 190 workers are on strike and there are around 480 total workers in the facility.

 

Muthukumar also added that the workers under CITU would start protest against the company and various other industries putting forward their demands, including recognition of the unions.

 

Also as mentioned Chennai factory is one of the largest manufacturing plants of the company across the world and focused on manufacturing entire range of equipment for 2G, 3G and Long Term Evolution (4G technology). The company is exporting equipment to all over the world from this plant. The output volume is 12.86 lakh units by March 2013 ( up from 9.78 lakh in 2011).