Gurgaon workers warn of labour unrest

Various workers unions, including from Munjal Showa, Napino Auto and Electronics, and Senior India organised a march here Sunday to protest their "exploitation" and "harassment" by their respective managements and warned of labour unrest if their pending demands were not met.

A large number of workers from automotive product manufacturer companies Munjal Showa's Udyog Vihar and Manesar units, Napino Auto and Electronics Ltd and Senior India Pvt Ltd - both at Manesar - and quality management consultant firm P.N. Writers (Kherki Daula) gathered at Kamla Nehru park here.

Addressing the gathering, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Gurgaon president Suresh Gaur, general secretary Anil Pawar and other leaders said that many company managements and labour officers were "testing our patience" for a long time.

They said the workers have done all within their efforts to avoid labour unrest but now it would not be easy to maintain peace from one side only.

Workers, holding banners in their hands, shouted slogans against "anti-worker" company managements and proceeded to Deputy Commissioner Shekhar Vidyarthi's temporary residence at Sector 15. In his absence, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vivek Kalia accepted the memorandum.

AITUC leaders later told IANS that if "necessary steps" were not taken timely to resolve the various issues regarding company employees, Gurgaon may face labour unrest.

"SDM Kalia has assured us of taking necessary steps to resolve the issues. A team, headed by additional deputy commissioner along with Additional Labour Commissioner Naresh Narwal, SDM Satendra Duhan and senior labour officers will look into the matter," Anil Pawar said.

The memorandum alleged that Munjal Showa's active union workers were Friday attacked by goons of the company management in which Narender, Anand, Sushil Rana and Meghraj were injured and had to be admitted to a private hospital in Palam Vihar.

The demand notice from Napino workers was unanswered even after 10 months.

Senior India suspended 12 workers without any cause a year ago and they were still waiting for their rejoining.

P.N. Writers management also suspended workers union president Gopal Prasad about 10 days ago but did not disclose the reason for the action.

Workers' leaders from several other companies also took part in the protest.