195 protesting workers of Foxconn detained

As many as 195 protesting workers of Taiwan-based contract manufacturer Foxconn were detained today for forcibly trying to enter the firm's facility, which suspended operations last month, at Sriperumbudur near here, an employee union said today.
According to representatives of Foxconn India Employees Union, 195 agitating workers, who forcibly tried to enter the plant, were detained in a marriage hall and later released.
A section of employees are protesting against the firm's decision to suspend operations at the plant.
"We have been pressing for our rights. We are ready to go for work. But it is the management which has decided not to allow us by saying there is no order. It is condemnable," Honorary president of Foxconn India Employees Union A Sounderrajan told reporters.

Trouble began last month at the two facilities of Foxconn at the Nokia Special Economic Zone near here after the company suspended production from December 22.
Following the closure of Nokia plant here, Foxconn had been witnessing dwindling sales. Nokia was contributing 70 per cent of business to Foxconn.

In an e-mail response to PTI, Foxconn had said employees have been placed on paid-holiday-leave status from December 22 as that facility has completed all of its production orders.
Employees were up in arms against the move fearing job losses. Five rounds of tripartite talks have been held in the presence of Assistant Labour Commissioner at Sriperumbudur to arrive at an amicable settlement, Foxconn India Employees Union sources said.

As there was no progress in talks, the sixth round of tripartite meeting is scheduled to be held on January 9 in Sriperumbudur.