Striking employees of Korean company arrested in Tamil Nadu

Around 120 striking permanent workers of Korean auto component maker NVH India Auto were arrested near here Saturday, said an official of the workers union.

The workers went on a sit-in strike Friday demanding basic facilities.

A. Sundarrajan, vice secretary of the United Labour Federation (ULF), told IANS that the factory has around 120 permanent workers and around 200 contract workers.

"The company is carrying out production with contract workers and apprentices which is against the law," he said.

He said the company is not recognising the duly formed workers union.

The company supplies sun visors, floor carpets, head liners and other items to Korean car maker Hyundai Motor India.

"Twenty eight workers were taken to Vellore to be remanded to custody there, while around 90 permanent workers were lodged in wedding halls near the plant in Sriperumbudur," Sundarrajan told IANS.

In a video upload on youtube.com, a senior official was seen dragging a striking worker by his legs for a few feet and arguing with the workers.

A police complaint has been filed against the official.

Company officials were not available for comment.

For a long time, Hyundai Motor India faced labour problems on the issue of union recognition. The issue was sorted out a couple of years back.

Now, one of the car maker's vendors is facing labour problems.