Letters: The aftermath

The tactics adopted by the Maruti Suzuki management to “resolve” the dispute with its Manesar unit’s workers is reminiscent of the methods employed by some Indian businessmen in the fifties ( “Setback for workers,” November 8). However, this time Maruti bought off not only the trade union leader but the other protesting employees also. This is a short-sighted approach to industrial relations problems. Moreover, the comfort of the legality of the action should not make the management complacent towards the reality on the ground — Sonu Gujjar is gone, but the causes and concerns of workers that engendered such a new powerful trade union remain. Unless it acts sagaciously now and addresses these issues with an open mind, it may have to face a stronger unrest from its workforce later.

Also, the employees continuing working with Maruti have suffered a double shock from the breach of a psychological contract by their trusted leader and by the management. Its impact on the employees’ morale and performance would have to be understood carefully.

Y G Chouksey, Pune

Readers should write to:
The Editor, Business Standard,
Nehru House,
4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
New Delhi 110 002,
Fax: (011) 23720201;
letters@bsmail.in
All letters should have a postal address and telephone number